Bridge replacement project on Illinois 1 over the Embarras River overflow north of U.S. 50 underway

EFFINGHAM – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that two bridges on Illinois 1 over the Embarras River overflow about one mile and 1.5 miles north of U.S. 50 near Lawrenceville are being replaced.

The $21.5 million project will be completed under staged construction, with the first stage wrapping up by early December. Lane closures will be necessary. Advance signs and traffic signals will be in place to direct vehicles over the bridges. As vehicles approach the signals, they should stay in their lane all the way up to the signal stop bar and then proceed as the signals indicate. This project will improve safety and the smoothness of the pavement along Illinois 1 for the traveling public. The entire project is scheduled to conclude December 2027.

Motorists can expect delays and should consider an alternate route. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment.

Over the next six years, IDOT is planning to improve 7,107 lane miles of highway and 8.4 million square feet of bridge deck as part of Rebuild Illinois, which is investing $33.2 billion into all modes of transportation. Accomplishments through Year Six of Rebuild Illinois include almost $20.8 billion of improvements statewide to 21,309 lane miles of highway, 815 bridges and 1,181 additional safety improvements.

For IDOT District 7 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict7 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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