Work Zone on I-70 Lifted; All Lanes Open Friday

The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that both lanes of westbound I-70 between Effingham and Montrose will reopen Friday, weather permitting. The left eastbound lane that was closed just east of the I-57/70 split and just east of the Montrose interchange reopened last week.

Work on the westbound lanes is scheduled to resume in the spring, when I-70 again will be reduced to one lane in each direction until the project wraps up in late 2024.

The overall $50 million improvement on I-70 includes the seven-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 eastbound and westbound I-70 bridges over the Montrose Blacktop.

While no construction is scheduled over the winter, occasional lane closures in the westbound lanes might be necessary for maintenance needs until the project starts again next year.

Prior to the start of construction in 2024, IDOT will, once again, meet with local emergency services and first responders to discuss the scope of work and emergency responses in preparation for the project.