New I-57 ramp to I-74 opens tonight

CHAMPAIGN – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that the new ramp from northbound Interstate 57 to westbound I-74 in Champaign will open tonight at about 9 P.M., May 5.

The new ramp is part of the ongoing reconstruction of the I-57/74 interchange. Additionally, the ramps from northbound I-57 to eastbound I-74 and from eastbound I-74 to Prospect Avenue will close tonight for about a month to facilitate connections to new pavement.

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 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 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.