Construction of J-turn intersection at U.S. 51 in Assumption begins April 21

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced the construction of a J-turn intersection at U.S. 51 and Leafland Street in Assumption. A J-turn intersection requires drivers to make a right turn and then a U-turn to access the opposite lane. This safety improvement will provide a safer intersection by reducing serious crashes. A similar type of intersection, which was constructed by IDOT in 2019, is located at U.S. 51 and Andrews Street in Macon.

Currently, there are stop signs on Leafland Street and vehicles can move straight across U.S. 51, which is a typical stop sign-controlled intersection. ​ After the J-turn intersection is complete, there will still be stop signs on Leafland Street, but vehicles will not be able to move straight across U.S. 51. Work on the $2.7 million project will begin Monday, April 21, weather permitting, and is expected to be completed in September.

Traffic will be impacted during the various stages of construction. Motorists are urged to pay close attention to message boards, flaggers and the changing conditions as they travel through this area. Drivers are urged to 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 more than 3,200 miles of highway and nearly 9 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 Five of Rebuild Illinois include approximately $16 billion of improvements statewide on 6,541 miles of highway, 686 bridges and 986 additional safety improvements.

For IDOT District 6 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict6 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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