FULTON COUNTY – A treacherous highway in Fulton County will be expanded to four lanes if state leaders, including State Senator Dave Koehler and Illinois Senate President John Cullerton, have their way.

In a speech before the Senate Wednesday, Cullerton called for a capital bill to help rebuild the state’s infrastructure. He specifically highlighted the need to expand U.S. 24 to four lanes into Fulton County.

Koehler, a Peoria Democrat who represents northeastern Fulton County, said expanding the route will be one of his top priorities in the upcoming legislative session.

“It seems like every week we hear about another tragic accident on Route 24,” he said. “I plan on working with President Cullerton and other area legislators to secure funding in a capital bill to make that road safer and put people to work.”

Koehler was promoted this week to the Senate’s leadership team. He is now an assistant majority leader.