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Kankakee County, IL: I-57 Water Work, $2M Bourbonnais Sewer Upgrade
Kankakee, IL – Major underground infrastructure improvements are moving forward across Kankakee County this fall, including water main replacement near Interstate 57 and approximately $2 million in se
By Owen Prescott · 2026-10-22T10:31:09.343Z
Kankakee, IL – Major underground infrastructure improvements are moving forward across Kankakee County this fall, including water main replacement near Interstate 57 and approximately $2 million in sewer upgrades in Bourbonnais. The projects are part of a nearly $40 million statewide investment aimed at improving water and wastewater reliability.
According to Aqua Illinois, the utility is advancing 14 infrastructure projects across the state, with several significant improvements concentrated in Kankakee County. Most construction will begin or continue during the second half of 2026, with some projects extending into 2027.
I 57 Water Main Replacement and Kankakee County Projects One of the area's major improvements involves replacing approximately 8,700 feet of water main near Interstate 57 in Kankakee .
Another project will install approximately 29,500 feet of transmission water main serving Sun River Terrace, Skyline and Highland Estates.
In Bourbonnais, Aqua Illinois is investing approximately $2 million in sewer lining improvements , designed to strengthen existing wastewater infrastructure and help reduce future service problems.
Additional infrastructure work is planned in nearby Manteno.
What Residents Should Know The improvements are intended to address aging infrastructure, prevent leaks, reduce service interruptions and minimize environmental risks.
"Reliable water and wastewater service depends on strong infrastructure," said David Carter, president of Aqua Illinois.
Carter said the projects will improve system performance and help prepare infrastructure for communities' long term needs.
While water main construction near I 57 may draw attention from local motorists, Aqua Illinois has not announced specific interstate lane closures or traffic restrictions associated with the project.
The company says it will coordinate with municipalities and notify affected customers about construction schedules, temporary service impacts and restoration.
Statewide, the projects include approximately 100,000 feet of water main improvements and nearly 284,000 feet of wastewater infrastructure work.
Aqua Illinois serves approximately 280,000 people across 14 Illinois counties and plans more than $492 million in infrastructure improvements over five years.