The Illinois Department of transportation announced today that the reconstruction of westbound Interstate 70 from just east I-57/70 interchange to just east of the Cumberland/Effingham Country line, east of Montrose, will begin, weather permitting, Tuesday April 9.
The project will include several new safety features this year and a start date timed to not interfere with the April 8 solar eclipse that is anticipated to bring large crowds to the southern part of the state. Tree trimming already has been taking place in recent weeks.
Starting this week shoulder closures in the eastbound lanes will be necessary to place traffic control devices in preparation for the project. Once the work zone is established starting April 9, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction on the eastbound lanes rebuilt last year, separated by the barrier walls, while the westbound lanes are reconstructed.
Until the project is complete this fall, backups and congestion approaching the work zone should be anticipated at all times.
