Illinois Department of Transportation announces first phase of I-255 repairs

The first phase of repairs to a section of I-255 has been announced by the Illinois department of transportation. It is a part of the Illinois Rebuild capital plan. During the repair process, all lanes between I-55/70 and I-64 will remain closed. Omer Osman, the acting Illinois Transportation Secretary, said, “A full closure of the interstate will allow repairs to the roadway to be made more quickly.”

The drivers are advised by the department to make a plan ahead of the closure. It is the first project under the Illinois Rebuild capital plan. The historic plan was passed with bipartisan support. According to the project plan, the reconstruction of the I-255 and fixation of the deteriorated sections of interstate in the St. Louis Metro East area will be done.

No traffic activities will be allowed for five months during the project construction. It will allow the department to complete the project safely, cheaply, and quickly. Moreover, the closure of the interstate will allow the department to complete the project in 10 months, instead of four years. The government will also save $14 million as the speed of the work will increase.

According to the announcement, the closure will allow the workers to work safely and it will also reduce the accidents as there will be no need for lane shifts. It is basically a rehabilitation and resurfacing project. Seven miles of I-255 from I-55/70 to Illinois 15 in two sections will be rehabilitated and resurfaced. These two sections are separated by Interstate 64.

The project plan also includes the improvement of bridges, up-gradation of the drainage system, and improvement of safety. The project will be completed at a construction cost of $67 million. According to the Transportation Department, the project will be completed in November 2020. The drivers are advised to make a plan ahead of the closure.