Interstate 255 in St. Clair County, Ill. reopened this Saturday, more than six weeks ahead of schedule, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).
The $65.4 million project, funded through the Rebuild Illinois capital program, rehabilitated 3.5 miles of I-255 between Illinois 157 and Illinois 15. Crews repaired pavement, upgraded bridges and safety features and installed new lighting and signage.
The closure began Feb. 1 and was originally expected to last until July 31.
By fully closing the work zone, IDOT completed the improvements faster and more cost-effectively, estimating savings of $10 million, according to the department. This marks the second of five planned phases to revamp the aging interstate, which was built in 1984 and has required frequent emergency repairs.
“Under the governor’s leadership, we are finding new ways to speed up projects,” said Gia Biagi, Illinois Transportation Secretary. “The I-255 project has been a success story that we will look to duplicate throughout the state.”
The first phase of I-255’s overhaul, completed in 2020, also finished early and under budget. Future phases will continue west to the Mississippi River, though timelines have not yet been finalized.
IDOT’s multiyear Rebuild Illinois plan aims to modernize more than 3,200 miles of highway and nearly 9 million square feet of bridge deck statewide by 2030.
Source: Illinois Department of Transportation, IBJOnline.com
