Illinois contractors received a boost last week when Gov. Pat Quinn unveiled the state’s new $11.5 billion multi-year construction program, which is intended to create 155,000 jobs and spark economic development throughout the state.

Driven by the Illinois Jobs Now! capital program, the statewide multi-year plan for fiscal years 2012 through 2017 will improve 3,248 miles of road and replace or rehabilitate 611 bridges. In the upcoming fiscal year, the state is expected to improve 490 miles of road and 105 bridges.

“The last two construction seasons have been the busiest in Illinois’ history, thanks to Illinois Jobs Now!,” Quinn said. “This plan will ensure that we continue this momentum in 2012 and beyond. That exemplifies my commitment to creating jobs and supporting our economic recovery through critical investment in our roads and bridges.”

Of the $11.5 billion program, $7.2 billion is from federal funds and $3.6 billion from state funds, including $2 billion through the six-year, $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! capital program passed by Quinn and the General Assembly in 2009.

State highways will see $8.3 billion in improvements over the life of the program, with $3.2 billion available for the local highway system. In the state portion of the multi-year program, $3.5 billion will be for reconstructions, resurfacings, widenings and other safety projects; $1.9 billion for bridge needs; $2.1 billion for congestion mitigation and $774 million for new roads and increased access for economic development.

“We are excited to move forward with these projects that will create jobs and make our roads safer,” Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig said. “We believe they will spark economic development and enhance the quality of life for residents across the state.”

The entire multi-year program is available online at www.dot.il.gov.