# Illinois Completes MetroLink Extension

Illinois completed the **$192 million** MetroLink extension to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport on October 5, 2026, with $127 million in state funding and $65 million in local funding. Revenue service is expected to begin in the coming weeks after final safety and performance evaluations. Separately, IDOT announced **$100 million** for downstate transit capital projects on September 30, creating a potential pipeline for transit-related grants and construction work, although no specific solicitations, application deadlines, or award details are provided.

- The extension was delivered without federal funding or taxpayer debt, and included rail, roadway, and bike-trail improvements.
- Transit contractors and grant applicants can treat the $100 million announcement as a market signal; it is not yet a specific bid opportunity based on the information provided.
- Firms should review IDOT’s procurement and grant announcements as details emerge to identify eligible projects and submission requirements.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Transportation, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure, Grants & Funding
**Published:** October 05, 2026

### Government Entities
- Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)
- St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD)

### Key Quotes
> With a total of $127 million in Rebuild Illinois investment, we’ve created jobs and business for local contractors and disadvantaged businesses while keeping project dollars moving through the regional economy.
> — JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois

> This investment further supports jobs and economic development, while better positioning our transit system to handle passenger demands now and moving forward.
> — Jay Hoffman, State Representative

### Sources
- [The State of Illinois Newsroom](https://gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com/gov-pritzker-announces-completion-of-metrolink-extension-to-midamerica-st-louis-airport) - IL