U.S. 52 Fox River bridge replacement begins July 20

LA SALLE COUNTY - The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that weather permitting, construction on the U.S. 52 bridge crossing the Fox River in La Salle County will begin Monday, July 20. The bridge is located east of Serena and 2 miles west of Illinois 71.

The project will replace the bridge, originally built in 1931. U.S. 52 will be closed to traffic at the bridge and motorists will follow a posted detour using Illinois 23, Interstate 80 and Illinois 71. Access to residences and businesses within the project limits will be maintained as feasible throughout construction, which is expected to be complete at the end of the year.

The $11 million project is one of two bridges that will be replaced under a new IDOT innovative delivery process. The second project, a replacement of the U.S. 34/Illinois 23 bridge over Little Indian Creek east of Leland, will be announced later this year. These projects will be done using design-build, which expedites the construction process by selecting a team composed of a design engineer and contractor.

Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area and be prepared for slow and stopped traffic. To avoid the work area, when feasible, use of alternate routes should be considered. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices, and be alert for workers and equipment.

Over the next six years, IDOT is planning to improve 7,107 lane miles of highway and 8.4 million square feet of bridge deck as part of Rebuild Illinois, which is investing $33.2 billion into all modes of transportation. Accomplishments through Year Six of Rebuild Illinois include almost $20.8 billion of improvements statewide to 21,309 lane miles of highway, 815 bridges and 1,181 additional safety improvements.

For IDOT District 3 updates on X, follow us at @IDOTDistrict3. View area construction details on IDOT's traveler information map at www.GettingAroundIllinois.com.