CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Construction continues at the I-72/57 interchange in Champaign. The current project is in preparation for next year’s reconstruction of the I-72 bridges over I-57. Work this year will build crossovers and will require closures of the left lane in both directions of I-72. The actual bridge work construction will begin in 2025 with an expected completion in fall 2026.
The design for the interchange will include two flyover ramps to improve safety and traffic flow efficiency for travelers in the region: Eastbound I-74 to northbound I-57 and westbound I-74 to southbound I-57. A third, auxiliary lane will also be added to both directions of I-74 between Prospect Ave. and Duncan Rd. to accommodate increased traffic in the region. The new interchange will eliminate the merging, weaving, and slower speeds of the existing structure, resulting in better travel times and fewer conflict points between vehicles.
The I-57/74 interchange, located just west of Champaign, was designed in 1958 and built in 1965. It’s design no longer meets current traffic volumes and demands and has experienced operational issues. This multi-year project, which broke ground in 2021, serves almost 40,000 vehicles per day with nearly 25% being freight trucks.
Northbound I-57 to eastbound I-74: Ramp is open. (It will close for 2 weeks in the Summer of 2025) Northbound I-57 to westbound I-74: Ramp is closed. Motorists traveling north on I-57, wanting to go west on I-74, continue through the interchange northbound on I-57 to the Market Street exit (Exit 240). Take the exit to the right and turn left at the top of the ramp. Then, re-enter I-57 southbound. Travel back to the interchange and exit to the right for I-74 westbound.
IDOT’s Region 3 spans north-central Illinois and includes IDOT’s District 4 and District 5.