Upgrades to the I-55 bridges over the Sangamon River
Expansion project part of longer-term improvements through Springfield
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that a $29.5 million project to expand the Interstate 55 bridges over the Sangamon River north of Springfield is starting this week. Made possible by Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program, the project consists of upgrading the bridges to accommodate the eventual addition of a third northbound and southbound lane in each direction through Springfield as well as other safety and capacity improvements to I-55.
“Improving these bridges is a major investment in the Springfield region and a big first step to modernizing a vital corridor for freight and travel for Illinois and the entire country,” said Lora Rensing, IDOT’s chief engineer and director of highways project implementation. “While we are busy working on I-55, we’re asking drivers to be patient, slow down and pay extra attention approaching and driving through the work zone.”
Overnight lane closures will be required initially this week to install temporary striping. Over the weekend, concrete barriers will be moved into place to separate traffic from the work zone. Starting Monday, the permanent work zone will be established, with traffic remaining on each bridge, utilizing the shoulders as a driving lane. Two lanes in each direction, with intermittent lane closures, will be maintained throughout this construction season.
Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and be on the alert for workers and equipment.
The project wraps up with bridge painting in 2026.
When completed, the expanded bridges will continue to carry two lanes over the river until another project to reconstruct and expand I-55 to three lanes in each direction from Sherman to the Illinois 54 (Sangamon Avenue) interchange begins in 2028, following the replacement of the Bissell Road, Andrew Road and Sudduth Road overpasses starting in 2026.
Longer-term, IDOT is planning to continue with adding three lanes in each direction to I-55 through Springfield. Funding for construction has not been identified.
For updates in IDOT’s District 6, follow @IDOTDistrict6 on X or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.
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Joe Schatteman
Paul Wappel