EFFINGHAM – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that the first phase of a three-year bridge replacement and pavement reconstruction project on Interstate 70 at Altamont begins Monday, April 6. The $32.7 million project consists of reconstructing the I-70 bridges at the Altamont interchange, repairs to the bridges just west of the interchange and reconstruction of the pavement, adding auxiliary lanes for the interchange loop ramps and the full reconstruction of outer ramps.
The first phase of the project consists of pavement reconstruction. During the 2026 construction season, one lane of traffic will remain open in both directions on I-70 with barrels, message boards and arrow boards guiding traffic. This phase should be completed in November. Bridge replacements will begin in 2027 using the crossovers that are in place.
With the addition of auxiliary lanes, this improvement will create a safer space for the extensive truck traffic to merge with the I-70 traffic. Additional benefits include extending the life of the overpasses, improving safety and providing a smoother driving surface.
Motorists are encouraged to follow the traffic control devices and should allow for extra travel time. 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. \u200b \u200b \u200b
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