Stage change in Illinois 23 construction in Ottawa begins Sept. 2

OTTAWA - The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that weather permitting, work on the Illinois 23 bridge over Interstate 80 in Ottawa will enter a new stage on Wednesday, Sept. 2.

Work during this stage will require the closure of all ramps at the Illinois 23 interchange starting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2, for pavement patching. All ramps are expected to reopen by 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 3.

During this time traffic on Illinois 23 also will return to using the northbound and southbound sides of the road. However, traffic will remain using one lane in each direction to allow patching to be completed in the center lanes and median. Future stages will include the following, and motorists should expect lane shifts throughout the project:

In addition to bridge deck repairs, the $1.8 million project replaced expansion joints and applied a latex overlay. Also, the Illinois 23 pavement was patched between Stevenson Road and Etna Road. This project is expected to be completed in October.

Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zone areas, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment.

Over the next six years, IDOT is planning to improve 7,107 lane miles of highway and 8.4 million square feet of bridge deck as part of Rebuild Illinois, which is investing $33.2 billion into all modes of transportation. Accomplishments through Year Seven of Rebuild Illinois include $25.6 billion of improvements statewide to 24,498 lane miles of highway, 959 bridges and 1,475 additional safety improvements.

For IDOT District 3 updates on X, follow us at @IDOTDistrict3. View area construction details on IDOT's traveler information map at www.GettingAroundIllinois.com.