Multiple highway projects underway in Decatur area

DECATUR - The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that multiple projects in the Decatur area are underway or starting soon and extending into 2021. The five projects represent a total investment of more than $35 million for the region, with nearly $30 million coming from Gov. JB Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois capital program.

"With the Rebuild Illinois capital plan, Illinois isn't just making temporary repairs and patching up existing infrastructure, it's investing for the future," said Gov. Pritzker. "Rebuild Illinois is the beginning of an effort to improve and replace roads and bridges and provide jobs in the Decatur area and across the entire state. In the coming months, IDOT will undertake five projects that will ultimately create safer roads and bridges for the Decatur community."

Three of the five projects are ongoing, with two starting later:

• U.S. 51 resurfacing from about a mile south of U.S. 36 to just east of Business U.S. 51 southwest of Decatur began in July and is scheduled for completion in September.  Lane closures are necessary for the completion of the project.
• I-72 bridge deck overlays and repairs 1 mile east of Oreana under County Highway 20 started in June and is scheduled to be completed in September. A portion of County Highway 20 1 mile east of Oreana is closed. Detours and alternate routes are posted for this area.
• Old U.S. 36 resurfacing from the Sangamon County line to U.S. 36 in Decatur began in June and is scheduled for completion in May 2021. Lane closures are necessary for the completion of the project. No night closures are expected.
• U.S. 51 resurfacing and bridge joint replacement from Business U.S. 51 southwest of Decatur to just north of the Shelby County line is scheduled to begin mid-August and to be completed in 2021. Lane closures will be necessary for the completion of this project. Advance signing and detours will be posted.
• U.S. 36/Illinois 121 resurfacing and traffic signal upgrades from 19th Street to a little east of Airport Road in Decatur is scheduled to begin construction later this year and will be completed over two construction seasons. Lane closures and sidewalk closures will be necessary for the completion of the project.

Motorists can expect delays and should allow for extra time when traveling through this corridor. Drivers are urged to pay attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, watch for traffic signals, be aware of width restrictions, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment.

"Across the nation, highway construction and maintenance continue as essential infrastructure activities. Illinois is no different," said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. "These projects represent a significant investment in the Decatur area that will improve safety, mobility and create economic opportunity for years to come. Please, slow down and pay extra attention driving in and around any work zone." 

Passed in 2019, Gov. Pritzker's historic and bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital plan is investing $33.2 billion into the state's aging transportation system, creating jobs and promoting economic growth. Rebuild Illinois is not only the largest capital program in state history but also the first one that touches all modes of Illinois transportation: roads and bridges, transit, waterways, freight and passenger rail, aviation, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

As part of the new FY2021-26 Proposed Highway Improvement Program released in July, IDOT is investing $21.3 billion to improve roads and bridges over the next six years, the second multi-year plan that reflects the impact of Rebuild Illinois.

For news on these and other projects in IDOT's District 7, follow @IDOTDistrict7 on Twitter or sign up to receive email alerts from IDOT in Motion. You also can follow IDOT on Facebook.