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Quinn To Authorize Transportation Projects, Reportedly Creating 20,000 Jobs

BELLWOOD, Ill. (CBS) -- Gov. Pat Quinn is planning an announcement Tuesday on some major transportation projects.

As WBBM Newsradio's Bob Conway reports, Quinn is set to sign legislation giving the state increased bonding authority, which is office says will allow various road, rail and public transit programs.

The bill, approved by the general assembly in May, and called the Illinois Jobs Now plan, is aimed at creating nearly 20,000 jobs. It calls for $1.6 billion in new transportation projects.

Among the Chicago projects are the resurfacing of nearly 96 streets, the rehabilitation of the Wells Street Bridge – which carries traffic and the CTA Brown and Purple Line over the Chicago River – and preliminary work for a new bicycle and pedestrian bridge over Lake Shore Drive at 35th Street, the Chicago Tribune reports.

Also included is a bridge to replace a grade crossing at 25th Avenue in Bellwood with an overpass to ease congestion caused by rail and road traffic, the Tribune reported.

Quinn will sign the bill at the Bellwood road-railway crossing at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday.

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio's Bob Conway reports

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