Chicago Construction News staff writer
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) marked several major construction milestones in 2025 on the $251.8 million reconstruction of the Interstate 57/74 interchange, a multi-year project modernizing one of Champaign’s busiest freight corridors.
The project, which began in 2021, is replacing an outdated cloverleaf interchange south of the Norfolk Southern railroad to Olympian Drive and along I-74 from Duncan Road to Prospect Avenue. Interstates 57 and 74 serve as critical routes for regional industry and the University of Illinois, carrying nearly 40,000 vehicles daily, with freight trucks accounting for about 25% of traffic.
Contractors advanced the work significantly in 2025 with the opening of multiple new ramps. The northbound I-57 to westbound I-74 ramp opened in May, followed by the northbound I-57 to eastbound I-74 ramp in June. In November, the southbound I-57 to eastbound I-74 ramp was opened to traffic.
Two major flyover structures — each rising nearly five stories — were also completed this year. The westbound I-74 to southbound I-57 flyover opened in August, while the eastbound I-74 to northbound I-57 flyover opened in November. These structures represent the sixth and seventh ramps delivered under the project. The eighth and final ramp, connecting southbound I-57 to westbound I-74, will remain open and is scheduled for reconstruction in 2026 as part of the final interchange configuration.
Mainline paving on both interstates is underway and will continue into next year. The second and final stage of construction is scheduled for delivery in 2026, when all new ramps and bridges will be tied into newly constructed I-57 and I-74 lanes. Substantial completion is expected by the end of 2026, with final striping and landscaping extending into spring 2027.
IDOT said motorists should expect ongoing traffic shifts and delays through the work zone and urged drivers to follow posted signage and reduced speed limits.
The interchange reconstruction is part of Rebuild Illinois, the state’s $33.2 billion, multi-year capital program. Over the next six years, IDOT plans to rehabilitate or improve 7,107 lane miles of highway and 8.4 million square feet of bridge deck. Through Year Six of the program, nearly $20.8 billion in improvements have been delivered statewide, including work on more than 21,300 lane miles of roadway, 815 bridges and more than 1,180 safety projects.
