Work resumes this week at I-39 and Illinois 38 interchange in Rochelle

ROCHELLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that work will resume this week on the reconstruction of the interchange of Interstate 39 and Illinois 38 (exit 99) in Rochelle. Work began Monday with activating a temporary traffic signal at Illinois 38 and the southbound I-39 entrance and exit ramps. The existing temporary traffic signal at the other side of the bridge will remain.

Initial work to begin this week includes the installation of protective shielding on the Illinois 38 bridge. There will be nightly lane closures on I-39 and Illinois 38 during this work, which is anticipated to last no more than two weeks. One lane of traffic in each direction on Illinois 38 is scheduled to be shifted onto the eastbound side of the bridge on March 9.

The $23.9 million project involves reconfiguring the existing diamond interchange into a diverging diamond design and repairs to the structure carrying Illinois 38 over I-39. Other project details include intersection improvements at Illinois 38 at Dement Road, new lighting and traffic signals, and the installation of a multiuse path across I-39.

One lane of traffic in each direction will be maintained at all times and there will be multiple traffic shifts throughout the project. The project is expected to be completed by the end of June 2027.

Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zone areas, 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 Six of Rebuild Illinois include almost $20.8 billion of improvements statewide to 21,309 lane miles of highway, 815 bridges and 1,181 additional safety improvements.

For IDOT District 2 updates, follow us on X at @IDOTDistrict2 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.