SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - The Illinois Department of Transportation announced Thursday that a $29.5 million project to expand the Interstate 55 bridges over the Sangamon River north of Springfield is starting this week.
The project consists of upgrading the bridges to accommodate the eventual addition of a third northbound and southbound lane in each direction through Springfield as well as other safety and capacity improvements to I-55.
(WAND file photo)
“Improving these bridges is a major investment in the Springfield region and a big first step to modernizing a vital corridor for freight and travel for Illinois and the entire country,” said Lora Rensing, IDOT’s chief engineer and director of highways project implementation. “While we are busy working on I-55, we’re asking drivers to be patient, slow down and pay extra attention approaching and driving through the work zone.”
Overnight lane closures will be required initially this week to install temporary striping.
Over the weekend, concrete barriers will be moved into place to separate traffic from the work zone.
Starting Monday, the permanent work zone will be established, with traffic remaining on each bridge, using the shoulders as a driving lane. Two lanes in each direction, with intermittent lane closures, will be maintained throughout this construction season.
The project will finish with bridge painting in 2026.
When completed, the expanded bridges will continue to carry two lanes over the river until another project to reconstruct and expand I-55 to three lanes in each direction from Sherman to the Illinois 54 (Sangamon Avenue) interchange begins in 2028, following the replacement of the Bissell Road, Andrew Road and Sudduth Road overpasses starting in 2026.
Longer-term, IDOT plans to add three lanes in each direction to I-55 through Springfield. Funding for construction has not been identified.
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