CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — The bridge carrying the eastbound traffic of Interstate 72 into Champaign has been temporarily closed to traffic. This phase of construction is the beginning of a years-long project that is projected to end in 2026.
The closure is adding at least 10 minutes to some drivers' commutes, but Illinois Department of Transportation Engineer Jason Smith said the change won't last long.
"It's a temporary closure for seven days to make repairs to the bridge so that it can handle the traffic for our staged, bridge work next season," said Smith.
In the meantime, a detour will reroute drivers back towards Champaign. The detour takes drivers I-57 southbound to Curtis Rd., then to I-57 northbound, then through the exit to I-72 eastbound to Champaign.
The westbound side of the bridge will have construction in 2025, and the eastbound side will be completed in 2026. Smith said the purpose of the construction on I-72 is to create safer driving conditions.
"Once we are able to reconstruct the bridges they'll be safer and [with] increased mobility."
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