Rebuilding Metro East: Interstate Projects Highlight Another Historic Construction Season
As part of one of its busiest construction seasons ever, the Illinois Department of Transportation is delivering several major projects in the Metro East, fueled by Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. Eighteen major projects combined represent a total investment of nearly $895 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. J.B. 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 18 major projects in the Metro East, one was completed in June, eight are scheduled to be completed in 2025 and the remaining nine are anticipated to be completed from 2026 through 2028.
- Interstate 270 over Mississippi River bridge replacement. The project began in 2022 and is anticipated to be completed in 2027. Expect nighttime lane closures. Two lanes of traffic in each direction will be maintained.
- Southern Illinois University Edwardsville North Access Road over the Norfolk Southern Railroad bridge replacement. The project began in 2024 and is expected to be completed in spring 2026. One lane in each direction will be maintained.
- I-270/Illinois 111 interchange reconstruction. The project began this spring and is expected to be completed in the fall. Illinois 111 is closed with a detour posted.
- I-55/70 over Beltline Road includes bridge repairs and deck overlay. The project began this spring and is expected to be completed in the fall. Full closure of I-55/70 one direction at a time. Each side will reopen before the next closes.
- Illinois 16 at Otterville Road intersection reconstruction. The project began this spring and is expected to be completed in the fall. Expect daily lane closures.
- Illinois 162/157 at Judy’s Branch Creek includes intersection relocation from the north junction of Illinois 157 to the south junction of Illinois 157. The project is expected to be completed in 12 to 18 months. Expect road closures and detours.
- Illinois 3: Northgate Industrial Drive in Granite City to Broadway in Venice; McKinley Bridge approach: McKinley Bridge to Illinois 3 in Venice includes milling and resurfacing. The project is anticipated to begin in 2025 and is expected to be completed in spring 2026. Expect daily lane closures during off-peak hours.
- Air Mobility Drive Extension from Illinois 161 to Illinois 158/177 includes construction of new road. The project began in spring 2024 and is expected to be completed in summer 2026. Traffic impacts are not expected.
- Little Mary’s River Covered Bridge includes bridge repairs. The project began in summer 2024 and is expected to be completed in late 2025. Traffic impacts are not expected.
- Illinois 160 at Wesclin Road includes intersection reconstruction. The project began this spring and is expected to be completed in the fall. Illinois 160 intersection closure at Wesclin Road anticipated throughout this summer.
- I-55/70 over multiple railroads in East St. Louis bridge repairs. The project began this spring and is expected to be completed in fall 2026. I-55/70 lane closures anticipated.
- I-64 from west of Greenmount to a mile west of Illinois 158 includes widening, resurfacing, interchange improvements and bridge repairs. The project is to be determined and will take two full construction seasons to complete. Expect intermittent lane closures.
- Illinois 158 from U.S. 50 in O’Fallon to Illinois 161 milling and resurfacing. The project is anticipated to begin this year and is expected to be completed in fall 2025. Expect daily lane closures during off-peak hours.
- I-70 over I-55/64 and Kansas City Southern Railroad in East St. Louis bridge repairs. The project is anticipated to begin this year and is expected to be completed in spring 2026. Expect westbound I-64 ramp to westbound I-70 closure for 45 days.
- Illinois 4 at Cormill Road to Adams Street milling and resurfacing. The project is anticipated to begin this year and be completed in the fall. Expect daily closures.
- I-64 from Illinois 157 to Greenmount Road milling, resurfacing and bridge repairs. The project is anticipated to begin this summer and be completed in summer 2026. Expect lane closures.
- Illinois 4 from Illinois 15 to Illinois 13 milling and resurfacing. The project is anticipated to begin this year and is expected to be completed this fall. Expect daily lane closures.
- I-255 from just north of Illinois 157 to Illinois 15 includes resurfacing, bridge and ramp repairs. The project began in fall 2024 and was completed in June.