Westbound I-70 lanes reopen Oct. 8

EFFINGHAM – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that westbound Interstate 70 between Effingham and Montrose will reopen Tuesday, Oct. 8, with traffic using the newly rebuilt pavement. The westbound ramps at the Montrose interchange (exit 105) also will reopen. ​

The eastbound and westbound passing lanes will remain closed to complete work in the median and to remove the barrier wall in the eastbound lane. Once the barrier wall is removed, lane closures will be needed to complete striping in the eastbound lanes prior to opening completely to traffic, which is expected in early November.

Please be aware that this area continues to be a work zone and delays should still be expected. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions, signs in the work zones, as well as obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and remain alert for workers and equipment.

Made possible by Gov. Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois capital program. the overall $50 million project on I-70 includes the 7-mile reconstruction from just east of the I-57/70 interchange to just east of the Cumberland County line, east of Montrose. Additionally, it includes the replacement of the east- and westbound I-70 bridges over the Montrose Blacktop.

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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