IDOT TO COMPLETE I-74 LANES AS SCHEDULED

Update: Nov 16, 2006 (10:11 am)

Peoria, IL -

Delay expected for several ramps

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that major construction activities on the mainline of I-74 in Peoria and East Peoria will end as scheduled on Friday, Nov. 17. Also at that time, the following ramps and bridges will open:

- New westbound I-74 Sterling Avenue exit ramp

- Westbound I-74 Gale Avenue exit ramp

- Westbound I-74 Glen Oak entrance ramp (tunnel)

- Westbound I-74 Washington Street entrance and exit ramps in East Peoria

- Nebraska Avenue Bridge over I-74.

Due to poor weather conditions during the last week of construction, several ramps will not open as scheduled.

In Peoria:

• The War Memorial Drive interchange is expected to open by Wednesday, Nov. 22.

In East Peoria:

• The westbound I-74 Main Street/IL-116 entrance ramp is expected to open Sunday, Nov. 19.
• The westbound I-74 Camp Street entrance ramp is expected to open Monday, Nov. 20.

“We are very pleased to open the majority of I-74 as scheduled,” said Joe Crowe, Deputy Director of Highways and Regional Engineer. “We are mere days away from opening every I-74 ramp in the area. We ask for the continuing patience of the public as work is completed. In the end, Upgrade 74 will be well worth the wait.”

Major activities are complete on the unfinished ramps. Crews currently are wrapping up final safety projects, including guardrail installation, shoulder work and median wall finishing.

The ramp work will not affect the scheduled Upgrade 74 time capsule event at 10 a.m., Monday, Nov. 20, at Riverfront Park by the Murray Baker Bridge. The event is free and open to the public.

While the majority of construction activities will end on Nov. 17, minor activities, including landscaping, will continue through late spring 2007. However, at least two lanes will be open on I-74 in each direction after Nov. 17. Work zone speed limits will be in effect until it is safe for workers and motorists.

Project information is available at www.upgrade74.com. Motorists can also call 866-I-74-NEWS (866-474-6397) to receive construction updates. Upgrade 74 is the complete rehabilitation of I-74 from East Peoria through Peoria. This is the largest construction project ever undertaken in downstate Illinois.