Simmy Wood
·5 min read
CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — A busy construction season can be a bit of a nuisance to drivers. 10 major projects are currently in progress across Central Illinois. But there is good news: the Illinois Department of Transportation announced Monday that they expect most to be finished by the end of 2024.
The undertakings are part of the Rebuild Illinois capital program and cost $411 million in total. IDOT said the rebuilds are meant to improve safety and mobility, as well as create and sustain jobs.
“Rebuild Illinois is revitalizing communities and neighborhoods by investing in projects and people in the Champaign-Urbana area and throughout the state,” Governor J.B. Pritzker said.“Through the largest capital program in state history, IDOT will be delivering improvements to build a more resilient, accessible and equitable system of transportation for generations to come, while creating jobs and enhancing local quality of life.”
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Most of the major construction projects are taking place in Champaign County, with half of them around the Champaign-Urbana area. Six of the 10 total projects should be done within the year, while three others should complete in 2025. Only one of the projects will last through 2026.
“No one should have to think twice about if they’re going to make it to their destination safely. I’m working to fix this by supporting Rebuild Illinois, which pours tens of millions in the Champaign-Urbana area to expand and improve our roadways to efficiently connect our downstream communities to the centricity of our urban areas and vice versa,” State Representative Carol Ammons (D-Urbana) said. “This common-sense plan will create hundreds of jobs and develop much-needed infrastructure in our corner of the state. I’m proud my community will see much-needed relief in major bridge work, bicycle and pedestrian accommodations, and improved safety measures across the board to ensure the safety of all drivers and motorists.”
Here is a list of the construction projects and their estimated completion years:
2024
Urbana — Bridge ramps over I-74:Estimated to be completed in August. Current project began in April and involves deck resurfacing. Westbound I-74 entrance and exit ramps are currently closed with one lane closed on I-74.
Vermilion County — I-74 west of Danville to the Vermilion River:Estimated to be completed in November. Project began in 2022 includes repair and reconstruction of bridges with deck overlay and resurfacing. Lanes are reduced for work.
Pesotum — Bridges over U.S. 45:Estimated to be completed in November. Current project began in April and involves bridgereplacement. During beam removal and replacement, lanes are subject to closures, sometimes overnight.
Sadorus — County Highway 17 over I-57: Estimated to be completed in November. Current project began in April and involves bridge replacement. Sadorus Road will remain closed with some lane closures on I-57 throughout the project.
Monticello — Bridge Street over I-72: Estimated to be completed in December. Current project began in April and involves a bridge replacement. I-72 lane closures and some full overnight closures may occur during beam removal and placement.
Champaign — Springfield Avenue at Copper Slough: Estimated to be completed in December. Current project began this month and includes bridge and box culvert replacement. Springfield Avenue is closed with detours.
2025
Champaign County — I-57 from south of Norfolk Southern Railroad to Olympian Drive / I-74from Duncan Road to Prospect Avenue:Estimated to be completed in late 2025. Project began in 2021 and includes resurfacing and construction of four ramps. Two lanes remain open on I-74/57 in both directions, though temporary overnight closures and changing ramp closures may occur.
Champaign — U.S. 45 from Springfield Avenue to Curtis Road:Estimated to be completed in late 2025. Resurfacing project will begin in August. Lane closures, including overnight closures, may occur for paving.
Bloomington — Illinois 9: Estimated to be completed in 2025. Project began in May and includesresurfacing, patching, ADA improvements and traffic signal replacement. There will be only one lane in each direction throughout the summer.
2026
Champaign — I-72 over I-57 bridge: Estimated to be completed in late 2026. Project will begin in August. Crossovers may be utilized to maintain traffic on I-72 with some overnight lane closures on I-57.
Champaign-Urbana-2024-RBI-MapDownload
“Fixing the roads in our area is crucial for making travel safer and more efficient for everyone,”State Senator Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) said. “It helps local businesses, creates jobs and just makes life easier for all of us. This is the kind of investment that benefits everyone.”
Fellow State Senator Paul Faraci (D-Champaign) agreed with Rose.
“We know transportation infrastructure is something businesses look at when they are considering an expansion or relocation. The Rebuild Illinois program is making key investments in our part of the state, setting up a solid environment for our local economy to thrive.”
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Champaign Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen feels grateful for the benefits the continued work has brought, and looks forward to their completion.
“I have been watching the tremendous progress of the I-57/74 Interchange and I am excited knowing that upon completion that work will have a meaningful safety impact for our residents and those traveling in our area,” the mayor said. “I also know that this project continues to provide good paying jobs and opportunities for job training in conjunction with Parkland Community College. Rebuild Illinois has been transformative in the State and here in our local community.”
On the other side of the twin cities, Urbana Mayor Diane Marlin echoed the importance of the construction projects for the community.
“Urbana-Champaign sits at the crossroads of three interstate highways. Through the Rebuild Illinois projects, we are making a critical investment in safety, function, and job opportunities.”
During this time and always, Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman urges drivers to put away devices, obey signage, and go slow in construction zones. For more information on these Rebuild Illinois projects and others throughout the state, visitidot.click/Rebuild-Illinois.
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