Eastbound I-70 Between Effingham and Montrose Re-Opens Today

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that eastbound Interstate 70 between Effingham and Montrose will reopen today, Oct. 12, with traffic using the newly rebuilt pavement. The eastbound ramps at the Montrose interchange (exit 105) also will reopen.

The left eastbound lane will remain closed just east of the I-57/70 split and just east of the Montrose Interchange to correct the temporary striping at the median crossovers that were used this summer, with eastbound traffic using the right lane. Once through this location, all eastbound lanes will be open. Westbound I-70 traffic will continue to use the right lane until the barrier wall is removed, which is expected to occur late next week. Striping and pavement repairs are needed in the westbound lanes prior to opening completely, which is planned to be complete by the end of October.

Please be aware that this area continues to be a work zone and delays should still be expected. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions, signs in the work zones, as well as obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and remain alert for workers and equipment.

Made possible by the Rebuild Illinois capital program. the overall $50 million project on I-70 includes the 7-mile reconstruction from just east of the I-57/70 interchange to just east of the Cumberland County line, east of Montrose. Additionally, it includes the replacement of the east- and westbound I-70 bridges over the Montrose Blacktop. Originally, the opening of the eastbound lanes was scheduled for November. But because of cooperative weather in the spring and fall, the lanes will reopen earlier than anticipated.

Work on the westbound lanes is scheduled to begin in March, when I-70 will be reduced again to one lane in each direction for the 2024 construction season. Prior to the start of construction next year, IDOT will meet with local emergency services and first responders to discuss the scope of work and emergency responses in preparation for the project.

For IDOT District 7 updates, follow on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict7 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.