I-39 and Illinois 38 interchange reconstruction in Rochelle begins July 7

DIXON – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that weather permitting, a multiyear project to reconstruct the interchange of Interstate 39 and Illinois 38 (exit 99) in Rochelle will begin Monday, July 7. In addition to the interchange, the work zone on Illinois 38 will be from Dement Road to Mulford Road.

The $23.9 million project involves reconfiguring the existing diamond interchange into a diverging diamond design and repairs to the structure carrying Illinois 38 over I-39. Other project details include intersection improvements at Illinois 38 at Dement Road, culvert replacement on Illinois 38 west of the interchange, new lighting and traffic signals, and the installation of a multiuse path across I-39.

One lane of traffic in each direction will be maintained at all times and there will be multiple traffic shifts throughout the project. Traffic at all interchange ramps will be controlled by temporary signals during the project, which is expected to be completed by the end of June 2027.

Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zone areas, 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 3,000 miles of highway and nearly 10 million square feet of bridge deck as part of the Rebuild Illinois capital program, 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 2 updates, follow us on X at @IDOTDistrict2 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.