I-57/74 milestone: New flyover ramp opens to traffic

CHAMPAIGN-URBANA – The Illinois Department of Transportation was joined today by federal, state and local officials to cut the ribbon on a new flyover ramp that connects westbound Interstate 74 to southbound I-57. At more than five stories tall, the ramp opened to traffic Wednesday afternoon, a centerpiece of the overall $251.8 million reconstruction of the I-57/74 interchange and the latest significant milestone for the project, made possible by Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. ​ ​ ​ 

“The new flyover ramp is a huge milestone, a major sign of the progress we’re making to modernize one of the country’s major freight and transportation hubs in I-57/74,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “We appreciate your patience as we deliver this crucial project for Central Illinois and look forward to completing the interchange, improving safety and regional mobility.” 

Stretching more than 1,750 feet across seven piers and reaching nearly 55 feet in height, the new ramp will be the tallest structure in the new interchange, which broke ground in 2021. The ramp will accommodate an estimated 3,000 vehicles a day. ​ 

The I-57/74 rebuild is replacing a traditional cloverleaf interchange built in 1965 that no longer met current traffic volumes and demands. The new design also includes one other flyover ramp to improve traffic flow and efficiency: Eastbound I-74 to northbound I-57, which is anticipated to open in 2026. ​ ​ 

“The I-57/74 interchange is a key part of Central Illinois’ infrastructure, moving almost 40,000 vehicles each day,” said U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). “I was thrilled to support federal funding for this reconstruction project. Efficient transportation leads to a strong economy and safe travel for Illinoisans, and I’ll continue to advocate for federal dollars to improve our infrastructure.” 

In addition to acting as gateways to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and manufacturing, logistics, health care and agricultural industries, I-57 and I-74 combined serve almost 40,000 vehicles a day, nearly 25% of which are trucks. Upon completion in 2027, the new interchange will eliminate the merging, weaving and slow speeds of the old version, resulting in better travel times, fewer conflicts between vehicles and improved safety. ​ 

For maps, photos, updates, recaps on progress and other information on the project, click here or visit idot.click/i57-i74-project. 

“The opening of this new flyover ramp is a critical milestone for the I-57/74 interchange, which – as one of the busiest interchanges in Central Illinois – was long-overdue for enhanced safety and efficiency upgrades,” said state Sen. Paul Faraci (D-Champaign). “This Rebuild Illinois project is creating good-paying jobs, modernizing our infrastructure and delivering real results for the people who live in and travel through the area.” 

“In the General Assembly, I was proud to vote for the funding that makes the I-57/74 project possible, and I’m proud of all the progress we’ve seen during construction,” said state Rep. Carol Ammons (D-Urbana). “Champaign-Urbana will benefit significantly from this modernization.” ​ 

The I-57/74 project is part of a nearly $300 million investment in road and bridge improvements in the area made possible by Rebuild Illinois this construction season. Other ongoing or upcoming projects include the $4.2 million Old Illinois 49 bridge replacement over I-74 at White Heath, the $17.7 million I-72 bridge replacement over I-57 in Champaign, the $14.5 million U.S. 45 resurfacing from Springfield Avenue to Curtis Road in Champaign and the $10 million I-72 bridge replacement over the Norfolk Southern railroad near Monticello, which starts next month ​ 

“Opening the new flyover ramp is a big deal for our community,” said Urbana Mayor DeShawn Williams. “It’s about more than just roads – it’s about making travel safer, smoother and more efficient for folks who live, work and drive through Champaign County every day.” 

“We are so excited to see this project finalized. It was a four-year endeavor that prioritized safety while building new pathways for economic growth within Champaign and across the region,” said Champaign Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen. “This is a transformational and milestone transportation project that will benefit our community and visitors for decades to come.” 

“This project is about more than concrete and steel. It represents a stronger, safer future for our residents, businesses and everyone traveling through the Champaign, Urbana and Savoy area,” said Savoy Village President John P. Brown. “Congratulations to all who made this possible.” 

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 Six of Rebuild Illinois include almost $20.8 billion of improvements statewide on 7,897 miles of highway, 815 bridges and 1,181 additional safety improvements. 

Visit idot.click/Rebuild-Illinois for highlights of other Rebuild Illinois projects happening throughout the state. 

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