Bridge replacement on Old U.S. 50 over Raccoon Creek begins March 16

EFFINGHAM - The Illinois Department of Transportation announced the closure of Old U.S. 50 between Cedar Elm Drive and Country Road 800 E for a bridge replacement project over Raccoon Creek. Work is expected to begin Monday, March 16, and be completed by August.

A detour will be posted directing traffic to use U.S. 50 between Xenia and Flora. This project will improve safety and the smoothness of the pavement along Old U.S. 50 for the traveling public.

Motorists will need to follow the posted detour or find an alternate route. Drivers should allow extra time for trips through this area, pay close attention to changed conditions and obey the posted speed limits.

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 Six of Rebuild Illinois include almost $20.8 billion of improvements statewide to 21,309 lane miles of highway, 815 bridges and 1,181 additional safety improvements.

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

# # #