Work on Illinois 81 in Kewanee begins Sept. 14

KEWANEE - The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that weather permitting, construction on Illinois 81 in Kewanee will begin Monday, Sept. 14. The work zone is from the city's western limits to Lexington Avenue. ​

Work will install watermains and storm sewers in the work zone in advance of a larger $14.1 million reconstruction project in 2027. There will be daytime lane closures controlled by flaggers during this project phase, which is expected to wrap up by the end of November.

Work in 2027 will reconstruct Illinois 81 and its side streets. The project will include installation of sidewalks, multipurpose paths and retaining walls. Illinois 81 will be closed to traffic and there will be a posted detour during this phase, but there will be access to residences in the work zone.

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 2 updates, follow us on X at @IDOTDistrict2 or view area construction details on IDOT's traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com. ​