Traffic for bridge improvements on Illinois 130 north of Olney moves to northbound lane

EFFINGHAM – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that the bridge deck repairs and a new concrete deck overlay project on Illinois 130 over Long Branch at County Road 1600 N about 3 miles north of Olney will move to the second stage of construction on Thursday, Sept. 25. The bridge improvements are expected to be completed in the middle of October.

Construction will begin on the southbound lane. Traffic will be moved to the northbound lane and the west leg of 1600 N (Mount Gilead Road) will be closed. One lane of traffic will be open at all times. Signals and signs will be used to help guide motorists through the construction zone. Benefits from this project includes extending the life of the bridge and a smoother driving surface. This project is part of the ongoing resurfacing project from Olney to the Jasper County line.

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 may be necessary. 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 Six of Rebuild Illinois include almost $20.8 billion of improvements statewide on 7,897 miles of highway, 815 bridges and 1,181 additional safety improvements.

For IDOT District 7 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict7 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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