{
    "title": "Illinois 251 bridge washing begins Oct. 19",
    "modified_at": "2026-10-14 16:35:11",
    "published_at": "2026-10-14 16:35:00",
    "url": "https://illinois-department-of-transportation.prezly.com/illinois-251-bridge-washing-begins-oct-19",
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    "slug": "illinois-251-bridge-washing-begins-oct-19",
    "body": "<p><strong>PERU </strong>&ndash; The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that weather permitting, work to wash the Illinois 251 bridge crossing the Illinois River south of Peru will begin Monday, Oct. 19. </p><p>There will be daytime lane closures controlled by flaggers during the project, which is anticipated to be completed in November. </p><p>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. </p><p>Over the <a href=\"https://idot.illinois.gov/transportation-system/transportation-management/transportation-improvement-programs/myp.html\">next six years</a>, 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. <a href=\"https://idot.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/90fafc6f3acc49cfa4577104115c43a0\">Accomplishments</a> through Year Seven of Rebuild Illinois include $25.6 billion of improvements statewide to 24,498 lane miles of highway, 959 bridges and 1,475 additional safety improvements. </p><p>For IDOT District 3 updates on X, follow us at <a href=\"https://twitter.com/IDOTDistrict3\">@IDOTDistrict3</a>. View area construction details on IDOT&rsquo;s traveler information map at <a href=\"http://www.GettingAroundIllinois.com\">www.GettingAroundIllinois.com</a>.</p><div class=\"release-content-contact\" id=\"contact-4ae22b9c-bd9d-4178-8989-937b1dfb28d6\">\n    \n    <div class=\"release-content-contact__details\">\n        <strong class=\"release-content-contact__name\">Kristophere&rsquo; Owens</strong>\n        <em class=\"release-content-contact__description\">IDOT</em>\n        <ul class=\"release-content-contact__details-list\"><li class=\"release-content-contact__details-list-item\"><a href=\"mailto:Kristophere.Owens@Illinois.gov\"  class=\"release-content-contact__details-list-item-link\" title=\"Kristophere.Owens@Illinois.gov\"><svg class=\"icon icon-paper-plane release-content-contact__details-list-item-icon\">\n                <use xlink:href=\"#icon-paper-plane\"></use>\n            </svg>Kristophere.Owens@Illinois.gov</a></li>\n<li class=\"release-content-contact__details-list-item\"><a href=\"tel:815-640-1027\"  class=\"release-content-contact__details-list-item-link\" title=\"815-640-1027\"><svg class=\"icon icon-phone release-content-contact__details-list-item-icon\">\n                <use xlink:href=\"#icon-phone\"></use>\n            </svg>815-640-1027</a></li></ul>\n    </div>\n</div><div class=\"release-content-contact\" id=\"contact-ce6142e6-016d-4f97-b746-4e624f11cffb\">\n    \n    <div class=\"release-content-contact__details\">\n        <strong class=\"release-content-contact__name\">Paul Wappel</strong>\n        <em class=\"release-content-contact__description\">IDOT</em>\n        <ul class=\"release-content-contact__details-list\"><li class=\"release-content-contact__details-list-item\"><a href=\"mailto:Paul.wappel@illinois.gov\"  class=\"release-content-contact__details-list-item-link\" title=\"Paul.wappel@illinois.gov\"><svg class=\"icon icon-paper-plane release-content-contact__details-list-item-icon\">\n                <use xlink:href=\"#icon-paper-plane\"></use>\n            </svg>Paul.wappel@illinois.gov</a></li>\n<li class=\"release-content-contact__details-list-item\"><a href=\"tel:(217) 685-0082\"  class=\"release-content-contact__details-list-item-link\" title=\"(217) 685-0082\"><svg class=\"icon icon-mobile release-content-contact__details-list-item-icon\">\n                <use xlink:href=\"#icon-mobile\"></use>\n            </svg>(217) 685-0082</a></li></ul>\n    </div>\n</div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>",
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    "contacts": [
        {
            "name": "Kristophere\u2019 Owens",
            "company": "IDOT",
            "description": null,
            "email": "Kristophere.Owens@Illinois.gov",
            "website": null,
            "address": null,
            "telephone": "815-640-1027",
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        {
            "name": "Paul Wappel",
            "company": "IDOT",
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        }
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        "first_name": "IDOT",
        "last_name": "Communications"
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