CARBONDALE – As part of one of its busiest construction seasons ever, the Illinois Department of Transportation is delivering several major projects in Southern Illinois, fueled by Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. Thirteen projects combined represent a total investment of nearly $534 million, improving safety and mobility while sustaining and creating good-paying jobs throughout the region.
“Through Rebuild Illinois, we are making good on our promise to restore and transform our state’s infrastructure while promoting economic growth,” said Gov. Pritzker. “This summer, IDOT will continue to build on years of progress by undertaking construction projects that will create safer roads and bridges and provide jobs across the state. Through these projects, we are demonstrating what government is supposed to do and that’s investing in the people and communities we serve.”
Of the 13 major projects in Southern Illinois, five are scheduled to wrap up this year, with the remaining eight anticipated to be completed between 2026 and 2028.
- I-57, mileposts 66-75, expansion to six lanes and replacement of bridges over the Big Muddy River in Jackson County began in spring 2022 and anticipated to be completed in 2025. Nighttime lane closures are anticipated.
- I-57, mileposts 75-85, expansion to six lanes and replacement of bridges over Marcum Branch and Gun Creek in Franklin County began in 2025 and anticipated to be completed in 2028. Nighttime lane closures are anticipated.
- I-57, mileposts 85-92, expansion to six lanes and replacement of structures over Dodds Creek in Jefferson County began in 2024 and is anticipated to be completed in 2027. Nighttime lane closures are anticipated.
- I-57/64, Illinois 15 interchange reconstruction in Jefferson County began in 2025 and is anticipated to be completed in 2027. Nighttime lane closures are anticipated.
- I-57, mileposts 45-53, expansion to six lanes began in 2025 and is expected to be completed in 2026. Nighttime lane closures are anticipated.
- I-24, mileposts 0-13, resurfacing and bridge repairs in Johnson and Williamson counties began in 2024 and is anticipated to be completed in 2025. Lane closures are expected.
- I-24 bridge deck and bridge painting on the Ohio River Bridge in Massac County began in 2025 and is anticipated to be completed in 2027. Traffic delays are expected.
- Illinois 146 in Vienna from U.S. 45 to east of I-24 in Johnson County includes pavement widening to accommodate a center turn lane, multiuse path extension and a roundabout at Illinois 146 and Red Bud Lane. The project began in 2024 and is anticipated to be completed in 2025. Daytime and nighttime lane closures with detours for the roundabout construction are expected.
- Illinois 149 at I-57 in Franklin County includes construction of roundabouts at I-57 ramp intersections, pavement reconstruction, bridge repairs, multiuse path and sidewalk. The project began in 2024 and is anticipated to be completed in 2025. Daytime and nighttime lane closures are expected.
- I-64 from Washington County Line to I-57 near Mount Vernon in Jefferson County includes pavement reconstruction and bridge work. The project began in 2023 and is expected to be completed in 2026. Crossovers with daytime and nighttime lane closures are anticipated.
- Illinois 14 in McLeansboro at the abandoned railroad underpass in Hamilton County includes old railroad bridge removal, elevation adjustment and construction of new pavement, curbs, gutters and storm sewers. The project began in 2024 and is expected to be completed in 2025. Road closure with detour is anticipated.
- Illinois 37 from Wildcat Drive south of Marion to Illinois 148 includes earthwork, drainage improvements, resurfacing, shoulder widening and construction of a roundabout at Wildcat Drive. The project began in 2025 and is expected to be completed in 2026. Lane closures and nighttime road closures are expected.
- Illinois 13 from Spillway Road to Shawnee Trail in Williamson County includes pavement widening, resurfacing, traffic signals, bridge replacement over Crab Orchard Lake and a multiuse path. The project is anticipated to begin in 2025 and be completed in 2027. Daytime and nighttime lane closures are expected.
“These projects represent meaningful investments in the infrastructure Southern Illinois relies on every day,” said Assistant Senate Minority Leader Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg). “From safer highways to modernized interchanges, this work supports jobs, improves travel and helps lay the foundation for future growth in our region.”
“The state’s Rebuild Illinois capital plan continues to invest in the strong, reliable infrastructure our residents deserve,” said Pinckneyville Mayor and President of the Southern Illinois Mayors Association Robert Spencer. “I’m thankful to Gov. Pritzker and the IDOT team for prioritizing these southern Illinois transportation projects, ensuring safety and modernization in our region.”
Passed in 2019, Rebuild Illinois is investing a total of $33.2 billion over six years into the state’s aging transportation system, creating jobs and promoting economic growth. Rebuild Illinois is not only the largest capital program in state history, but also the first that touches all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, transit, waterways, freight and passenger rail, aviation, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.
“Rebuild Illinois continues to reshape transportation, creating economic opportunity, improving mobility and enhancing quality of life in every corner of the state,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “Remember: If you are traveling anywhere in Illinois this summer, you will be traveling through work zones. When you see orange, slow down and save lives.”
Accomplishments through March 31 of Rebuild Illinois include approximately $14.8 billion of improvements statewide on 6,078 miles of highways, 629 bridges and 895 additional safety improvements.
Visit https://idot.click/Rebuild-Illinois for information and highlights of other Rebuild Illinois projects happening throughout the state.
