U.S. 34 Little Indian Creek bridge replacement begins Sept. 21

LA SALLE COUNTY – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that weather permitting, construction on the U.S. 34/Illinois 23 bridge crossing Little Indian Creek in La Salle County will begin Monday, Sept. 21. The bridge is located 4 miles west of Somonauk and a half-mile west of the eastern junction of U.S. 34 and Illinois 23.

The project will replace the bridge. U.S. 34/Illinois 23 will be closed to traffic at the bridge and motorists will follow a posted detour using Illinois 23, Interstate 80 and Illinois 71. Access to residences and businesses within the project limits will be maintained as feasible throughout construction, which is expected to be complete in January.

The $11 million project is the second of two bridges that will be replaced under a new IDOT innovative delivery process. The first project, a replacement of the U.S. 52 bridge over the Fox River near Serena, began in July and is expected to be completed at the end of the year. These projects will be done using design-build, which expedites the construction process by selecting a team composed of a design engineer and contractor.

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.

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 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.

For IDOT District 3 updates on X, follow us at @IDOTDistrict3. View area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map at www.GettingAroundIllinois.com.