CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — A $250-million construction project is transforming a major interchange in Champaign County.Â
About 40,000 cars and trucks drive through the I-57 and I-74 interchange every day.
"The traffic is not slowing down, and it's not getting less," Jason Smith, Construction Field Engineer for IDOT, told WAND News.
But the road wasn't built for that much traffic and has become dangerous for drivers.
"Ramps where you were forced to change directions. Like if you were headed in one direction then you had to go back and then go back again — that can cause some rollover accidents and things. It was just an overall outdated configuration that we're trying to improve," Smith explained.
IDOT broke ground on the project in the summer of 2021, but you've likely seen a lot happening in the last few weeks.
"We're building stage 1 of the bridge that carries 74 over 57. We're actively doing piling installation right now, building the piers, building abutments. I think the thing that everybody is kind of seeing right now is we're erecting beams over 57 at night," Smith added.
There's also ramp paving, drainage projects and dirt work you might not see. It's all part of the plan to build flyover bridges to safely carry drivers over I-57 and I-74. The project is expected to be done by 2025, if nature cooperates.
"If you could tell me what Mother Nature is going to do, then I'll tell you when it's going to be done," Smith told WAND News.
Until then, IDOT asks drivers to stay off their phones and drive slowly through construction zones.
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"I would ask everybody to be patient because it will be worth it in the end, I promise," Smith added.
The project is being paid for by the state's Rebuild Illinois Plan.
IDOT will update message boards for drivers as work continues in the winter and spring.
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