I-57/74 update: Westbound to southbound ramp to close March 2

CHAMPAIGN – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that the westbound Interstate 74 ramp to southbound I-57 in Champaign will close beginning overnight Sunday, March 2.

The closure is necessary to complete the current stage of construction on the I-74 bridge over I-57 as well as work underneath the bridge on I-57. This configuration is expected to last until late summer/early fall.

Until then, westbound I-74 traffic wanting to travel south on I-57 must use the marked detour, which will utilize the new I-74 ramp to northbound I-57 and then exiting at Market Street. Traffic will then enter southbound I-57 at Market Street, where there will be temporary signals to expedite traffic through the interchange. Motorists are highly encouraged to follow the marked detour; the next available exit is Mahomet.

Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. 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 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 more information on IDOT projects, click here. For IDOT District 5 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict5 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.###