Improvements Start Monday on Illinois 128 Near Beecher City, Illinois 130 in Olney

The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced two area improvement projects that will begin on Monday, July 11.

One is a bridge replacement project over Moccasin Creek, just over three miles south of Beecher City, that will close Illinois Route 128.

A posted detour will direct traffic to use Illinois 33 and U.S. 40 through Effingham and Altamont. The project is expected to be completed by Nov. 1. Benefits from the project include an improved driving surface and increasing the durability of the bridge deck.

Only local traffic will be permitted on Illinois 128 between Illinois 33 in Beecher City and U.S. 40 west of Altamont. Motorists are encouraged to follow the posted detour and should allow for extra travel time. 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.

The other project is pavement reconstruction in Olney from West North Avenue to West South Avenue that will close Illinois Route 130. The closure is necessary to reconstruct the pavement under the railroad structure. A detour will be posted utilizing Illinois 250 and U.S. 50. Benefits from this include a smoother road surface. The project is expected to be completed by July 18.