CARBONDALE, Ill. (WSIL) -- The Illinois Department of Transportation is undertaking a significant construction season in Southern Illinois, driven by Gov. JB Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois capital program.
The initiative includes 13 major projects with a combined investment of nearly $534 million.
“Through Rebuild Illinois, we are making good on our promise to restore and transform our state’s infrastructure while promoting economic growth,� said Gov. Pritzker.
Five of these projects are set to finish this year, while the remaining eight will be completed between 2026 and 2028.
Gov. Pritzker highlighted the program's focus on creating safer roads and bridges and providing jobs across the state. “Through these projects, we are demonstrating what government is supposed to do and that’s investing in the people and communities we serve,� Pritzker said.
Below is the list of road projects currently under construction...
- I-57, mileposts 66-75, expansion to six lanes and replacement of bridges over the Big Muddy River in Jackson County began in spring 2022 and anticipated to be completed in 2025. Nighttime lane closures are anticipated.
- I-57, mileposts 75-85, expansion to six lanes and replacement of bridges over Marcum Branch and Gun Creek in Franklin County began in 2025 and anticipated to be completed in 2028. Nighttime lane closures are anticipated.
- I-57, mileposts 85-92, expansion to six lanes and replacement of structures over Dodds Creek in Jefferson County began in 2024 and is anticipated to be completed in 2027. Nighttime lane closures are anticipated.
- I-57/64, Illinois 15 interchange reconstruction in Jefferson County began in 2025 and is anticipated to be completed in 2027. Nighttime lane closures are anticipated.
- I-57, mileposts 45-53, expansion to six lanes began in 2025 and is expected to be completed in 2026. Nighttime lane closures are anticipated.
- I-24, mileposts 0-13, resurfacing and bridge repairs in Johnson and Williamson counties began in 2024 and is anticipated to be completed in 2025. Lane closures are expected.
- I-24 bridge deck and bridge painting on the Ohio River Bridge in Massac County began in 2025 and is anticipated to be completed in 2027. Traffic delays are expected.
- Illinois 146 in Vienna from U.S. 45 to east of I-24 in Johnson County includes pavement widening to accommodate a center turn lane, multiuse path extension and a roundabout at Illinois 146 and Red Bud Lane. The project began in 2024 and is anticipated to be completed in 2025. Daytime and nighttime lane closures with detours for the roundabout construction are expected.
- Illinois 149 at I-57 in Franklin County includes construction of roundabouts at I-57 ramp intersections, pavement reconstruction, bridge repairs, multiuse path and sidewalk. The project began in 2024 and is anticipated to be completed in 2025. Daytime and nighttime lane closures are expected.
- I-64 from Washington County Line to I-57 near Mount Vernon in Jefferson County includes pavement reconstruction and bridge work. The project began in 2023 and is expected to be completed in 2026. Crossovers with daytime and nighttime lane closures are anticipated.
- Illinois 14 in McLeansboro at the abandoned railroad underpass in Hamilton County includes old railroad bridge removal, elevation adjustment and construction of new pavement, curbs, gutters and storm sewers. The project began in 2024 and is expected to be completed in 2025. Road closure with detour is anticipated.
- Illinois 37 from Wildcat Drive south of Marion to Illinois 148 includes earthwork, drainage improvements, resurfacing, shoulder widening and construction of a roundabout at Wildcat Drive. The project began in 2025 and is expected to be completed in 2026. Lane closures and nighttime road closures are expected.
- Illinois 13 from Spillway Road to Shawnee Trail in Williamson County includes pavement widening, resurfacing, traffic signals, bridge replacement over Crab Orchard Lake and a multiuse path. The project is anticipated to begin in 2025 and be completed in 2027. Daytime and nighttime lane closures are expected.
“These projects represent meaningful investments in the infrastructure Southern Illinois relies on every day,� said Assistant Senate Minority Leader Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg). “From safer highways to modernized interchanges, this work supports jobs, improves travel and helps lay the foundation for future growth in our region.�
“The state’s Rebuild Illinois capital plan continues to invest in the strong, reliable infrastructure our residents deserve,� said Pinckneyville Mayor and President of the Southern Illinois Mayors Association Robert Spencer. “I’m thankful to Gov. Pritzker and the IDOT team for prioritizing these southern Illinois transportation projects, ensuring safety and modernization in our region.�
“Rebuild Illinois continues to reshape transportation, creating economic opportunity, improving mobility and enhancing quality of life in every corner of the state,� said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “Remember: If you are traveling anywhere in Illinois this summer, you will be traveling through work zones. When you see orange, slow down and save lives.�
IDOT says, accomplishments through March 31 of Rebuild Illinois include approximately $14.8 billion of improvements statewide on 6,078 miles of highways, 629 bridges and 895 additional safety improvements. For more information, you can visit .
