I-57 work at Big Four Ditch in Ford County begins Aug. 21

FORD COUNTY - The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that weather permitting, construction on the bridges carrying Interstate 57 over the Big Four Ditch in Ford County will begin Friday, Aug. 21. The bridges are located about 2 miles south of the Illinois 9 interchange.

Initial work will construct crossovers for traffic at both ends of the existing bridges. One lane of traffic will be open in each direction during the work, which is anticipated to be completed at the end of October.

Work will replace both bridges, one at a time, beginning spring 2027. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction in the work zone and will be shifted to one bridge while the other is being reconstructed. This $19.7 million project is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

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 Seven of Rebuild Illinois include $25.6 billion of improvements statewide to 24,498 lane miles of highway, 959 bridges and 1,475 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.