I-88 construction in Whiteside County resumes May 18

WHITESIDE COUNTY – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that weather permitting, construction will resume on Interstate 88 in Whiteside County on Monday, May 18. 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 in 2025 patched I-88 and repaired its bridges crossing Elkhorn Creek and Polo Road. Also, the crossing over the abandoned BNSF railroad was removed. Work this year will mill and resurface the highway. One lane of traffic in each direction will be maintained during the $26.8 project, which is expected to be completed in November.

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 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 2 updates, follow us on X at @IDOTDistrict2 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com. ​