Manteno, IL – Kankakee County has been awarded a $2.9 million grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to overhaul Highway 9, improving access to the new Gotion electric vehicle battery plant in Manteno.
The grant is a part of IDOT’s Economic Development Program, aimed at facilitating key transportation improvements to support economic growth and job creation.The project includes the addition of new driving lanes, a center turn lane, shoulders, and a traffic signal at Spruce Street, along with a shared bicycle and pedestrian path.
Preliminary work is slated to begin this fall, with construction expected to start in the spring. This infrastructure enhancement is critical for accommodating the traffic needs of the new plant, which is anticipated to create 2,600 jobs.
Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman highlighted the project’s importance in supporting the state’s growing electric vehicle manufacturing sector and ensuring long-term economic stability and growth for Kankakee County.
