Major milestones on the I-57/74 interchange reconstruction in 2025
Modernizing an outdated cloverleaf to improve traffic flow, efficiency and safety
CHAMPAIGN – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced major milestones in 2025 on the Interstate 57/74 interchange reconstruction project south of the Norfolk Southern railroad to Olympian Drive and I-74 from Duncan Road to Prospect Avenue.
The $251.8 million upgrade, which began in 2021, is transforming an outdated cloverleaf into a safer, more efficient interchange at one of Champaign’s busiest freight hubs. Interstates 57 and 74 serve as key gateways to the University of Illinois and several major industries, carrying nearly 40,000 vehicles each day, with freight trucks accounting for nearly a quarter of that traffic.
Significant progress was made in 2025 with the opening of new ramps:
- The northbound I-57 to westbound I-74 opened in May.
- The northbound I-57 to eastbound I-74 opened in June.
- The southbound I-57 to eastbound I-74 ramp opened in November.
- The nearly five-story flyover ramps — westbound I-74 to southbound I-57 (opened in August) and eastbound I-74 to northbound I-57 (opened in November). These additions represent the sixth and seventh ramps completed as part of the project.
- The eighth and final ramp, connecting southbound I-57 to westbound I-74, remains open and will be reconstructed next year as part of the new ramp configuration.
- Mainline paving on both interstates is also underway and will continue into next year.
The second stage of the project will be delivered in 2026: tying all new ramps and bridges into the newly constructed I-57 and I-74 lanes. The project is expected to be mostly completed by the end of the year, with final striping and landscaping continuing into spring 2027. For more information visit the project website.
Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. 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 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.
I-57, 74 Interchange Overview FALL 2025.pdf
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Kimberly Hoskins
Paul Wappel
