Chicago Construction News staff writer
Thirteen transportation projects totaling nearly $534 million are underway or planned across Southern Illinois, aimed at improving roads, bridges and traffic flow while supporting local jobs.
The work is part of the state’s Rebuild Illinois infrastructure program. Five projects are expected to finish this year, with the rest scheduled for completion between 2026 and 2028. The projects will involve frequent lane closures and detours, especially during nighttime hours.
Below is a summary of the planned and active projects:
- I-57 (mileposts 66–75), Jackson County: Expansion to six lanes and replacement of bridges over the Big Muddy River. Began in 2022; completion expected in 2025.
- I-57 (mileposts 75–85), Franklin County: Expansion to six lanes and bridge replacements over Marcum Branch and Gun Creek. Begins in 2025; completion expected in 2028.
- I-57 (mileposts 85–92), Jefferson County: Expansion to six lanes and replacement of structures over Dodds Creek. Began in 2024; completion expected in 2027.
- I-57/64 and Illinois 15 interchange, Jefferson County: Interchange reconstruction. Begins in 2025; completion expected in 2027.
- I-57 (mileposts 45–53): Expansion to six lanes. Begins in 2025; completion expected in 2026.
- I-24 (mileposts 0–13), Johnson and Williamson counties: Resurfacing and bridge repairs. Began in 2024; completion expected in 2025.
- I-24, Ohio River Bridge, Massac County: Bridge deck and painting. Begins in 2025; completion expected in 2027.
- Illinois 146, Vienna, Johnson County: Pavement widening, multiuse path extension and roundabout construction. Began in 2024; completion expected in 2025.
- Illinois 149 at I-57, Franklin County: Roundabouts, pavement reconstruction, bridge repairs, sidewalks and multiuse path. Began in 2024; completion expected in 2025.
- I-64, Jefferson County: Pavement reconstruction and bridge work from Washington County line to I-57 near Mount Vernon. Began in 2023; completion expected in 2026.
- Illinois 14, McLeansboro, Hamilton County: Railroad bridge removal, elevation adjustment and new pavement, curbs, and sewers. Began in 2024; completion expected in 2025.
- Illinois 37, Marion to Illinois 148: Earthwork, drainage improvements, resurfacing, shoulder widening and roundabout at Wildcat Drive. Begins in 2025; completion expected in 2026.
- Illinois 13, Williamson County: Pavement widening, resurfacing, new traffic signals, bridge replacement over Crab Orchard Lake and a multiuse path. Begins in 2025; completion expected in 2027.
State officials say the work will improve regional transportation and reduce long-term maintenance costs.
Rebuild Illinois, launched in 2019, is a $33.2 billion, six-year infrastructure program that funds transportation projects across the state. Through March 31, the initiative has supported work on more than 6,000 miles of highway, 629 bridges and nearly 900 safety improvements.
