I-88 construction in Whiteside County begins May 5

DIXON – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that weather permitting, a two-year construction project on Interstate 88 in Whiteside County will begin Monday, May 5. The work zone will be from the U.S. 30 interchange (exit 44) in Rock Falls to just west of the U.S. 30 spur interchange (exit 36).

Work this year includes patching and repairs to the I-88 bridges crossing Elkhorn Creek and Polo Road. Also, the crossing over the abandoned Burlington Northern Railroad will be removed. Traffic will be controlled using highway crossovers west of the U.S. 30 interchange and east of the Illinois 40 interchange (exit 41). One lane of traffic will be maintained and all ramps will be open throughout the work zone. This work is expected to be completed by the end of the year, with all lanes open over the winter.

Work will resume in spring 2026 with milling and resurfacing. One lane of traffic in each direction will be maintained. The $26.8 project is expected to be completed in November 2026.

Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area and be prepared for slow and stopped traffic. To avoid the work area, when feasible, use of alternate routes should be considered. 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 IDOT District 2 updates, follow us on X at @IDOTDistrict2 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com. ​

The bridges that will be removed are located west of the U.S. 30 interchange (exit 44).