The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that a 6.5-mile resurfacing project on Interstate 72 from the Old U.S.36 interchange to the U.S.67 interchange began Monday, Aug. 11. Work is expected to be completed in September 2026.
Lane closures are expected but at least one lane will be open in each direction. Flaggers and cones will be used to direct traffic through the work zones. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Other work includes guardrail replacement, shoulder maintenance and drainage improvements. Benefits of this project includes safety improvements and a smoother driving surface.
To avoid the work area, when feasible, use of alternate routes should be considered. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, 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 more than 3,200 miles of highway and nearly 9 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 on 7,897 miles of highway, 815 bridges and 1,181 additional safety improvements.
For IDOT District 6 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict6 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.
