NW Illinois News

The City of Dixon has secured a $4.6 million grant from the State of Illinois, administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation, to complete Project Rock. This project represents the fourth and final phase of the Riverfront Master Plan.

Project Rock will include a new pedestrian and bike path bridge over the historic railroad bridge spanning the Rock River, as well as 1.8 miles of additional pathway connections throughout Dixon. The plan also calls for improvements to roads and pathways in Page Park, aimed at enhancing access and recreation for both residents and visitors.

Senator Li Arellano commented on the significance of this development: “Project ROCK will have a transformational impact on Dixon’s historic downtown and the entire riverfront region. Generations of leaders, from multiple governments as well as the private sector, have committed themselves to planning and executing successful redevelopment along our Rock River. The State of Illinois has been and continues to be a partner in that legacy as we ensure Project ROCK achieves its full potential for our citizens.”

Previously, Dixon had received a $13 million federal RAISE grant for Project Rock. However, rising construction costs led to a funding gap that threatened progress. With this new state grant, work on Project Rock can continue without delay. The city’s previously allocated $4.6 million in local funds will now be available for other infrastructure projects.

City Councilman Chris Bishop described the award as both an achievement and an opportunity: “This is another significant win for our community. The funding will not only help us bring Project Rock to completion, but it also positions the City to approach future projects from a stronger financial footing. I want to express my appreciation to our dedicated City staff for the hard work and commitment they’ve put into making this possible. I also extend my thanks to everyone who has been involved with Project Rock—their efforts are truly making a difference.”

City Manager Danny Langloss spoke about ongoing progress in Dixon: “There has never been a more exciting time to live or work in Dixon. From the northern business district to the I-88 corridor, we continue to create wins for our community. I would like to thank our team and our partners for all of their great work.”

The $4.6 million comes from Local Program Funding established under Public Act 103-0589, which set aside $400 million statewide for transportation asset improvements, complete street initiatives, and safety enhancements. Over 1,900 applications totaling more than $5 billion were submitted across Illinois; Dixon’s proposal was chosen based on factors such as readiness, mobility benefits, and place-based hardship.