Illinois 2 construction in Sterling begins May 18

STERLING – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that weather permitting, construction will begin on westbound Illinois 2 in Sterling on Monday, May 18. The work zone will be from East Third Street to Illinois 40.

Work will patch, mill and resurface the road in addition to traffic signal and sidewalk improvements. There will be temporary lane closures during the $2.6 million project. Most of the work will be completed by the end of November, with minor work to be completed in early 2027.

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.