SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Department of Transportation is reopening lanes which have been closed for construction for the Independence Day holiday. This is in order to avoid and help minimize travel disruptions. This is according to a press release made available by the department Wednesday.
Non-emergency closures for the Independence Day holiday will have a construction suspension period which started at 3 p.m. Thursday afternoon and will last until 11:59 p.m. Sunday night. However, there are some lane closures remaining in place for some construction zones over the holiday weekend. Therefore, work zone speed limits will remain in effect wherever posted.
Construction zone lane reductions
Lane reductions – District 5
In District 5, there are some reductions remaining in effect in Champaign and McLean counties. In Champaign County, County Highway 12 over Interstate 74 in St. Joseph will continue to have lane reductions under control by temporary signals. In McLean County, lane reductions continue along Business U.S. Route 51 in Bloomington at the Norfolk Southern railroad crossing.
Lane reductions – District 6
In District 6, there are several lane reduction continuations in Logan, Macoupin, and Sangamon counties. Some key locations are along Interstate 55 at Lincoln and Williamsville, Illinois 138 westbound from Interstate 55 in Macoupin County, and two specific locales in Springfield. Moreover, keep an eye out for Interstate 55 at Southwind Drive and Interstate 72 at Wabash Avenue.
Lane reductions – District 5
In District 7, you should monitor Interstate 70 from Effingham to Altamont in Effingham County. In Macon County, County Highway 20 going over Interstate 72 near Oreana in closed; detours are posted as a result. In Shelby County, lane reductions will continue along Illinois Route 16 beginning two miles west of Illinois Route 32; traffic will be under control by temporary signals.
Expect delays and allow extra travel time
Motorists should expect delays and allow extra time for trips when traveling through these areas. Use alternate routes whenever feasible and necessary. Additionally, drivers should pay close attention to constantly-changing conditions and signs posted in work zones. This includes obeying posted speed limits, refraining from using mobile devices, and showing alertness of construction workers and equipment.
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Jake Leonard, a broadcast media and journalism veteran, is the editor-in-chief of Heartland Newsfeed. Leonard is also GM and program director of Heartland Newsfeed Radio Network, wrestling editor and contributing writer for Ambush Sports, a contributing writer for My Sports Vote and Midwest Sports Network, and a former contributor to Bleacher Report and Overtime Heroics. He resides at home in Nokomis, Ill. with his dog Buster.