I-74 and I-57 interchange now ready for Central Illinois drivers

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - The I-74 Westbound-I-57 Southbound interchange is officially ready for drivers. For the past couple of years, the interchange has been under major construction to make a safer and efficient traffic flow.

The $250 million interchange consisted of 90% federal funds. 

"The original interchange was built over 60 years ago. The population of Champaign County increased 55 percent since then," said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin.  

Of course, that means more trucks, cars and challenges to safety. Officials said for this project, teamwork made the dream work. This will be the continued mindset of the course of the future projects.  

As for the new intersection, "it's just flat out bigger. You can take more, but it's also safer. This was the interchange where we had trucks that were tipping over due to the angles and the curves, and so we moved all of that out to make it safer, not just for trucks, but for everyone," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi.  

Officials appreciate the patience and diligence of road workers and drivers. Biagi said to be on the lookout for more roadwork across Central Illinois, and to abide by speed limits for the safety of construction employees.

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