I-57 lane closures begin in Effingham County for bridge project

Drivers urged to plan ahead as northbound traffic shifts for $7.2 million bridge replacement.

By Elizabeth Hess March 17, 2026 2:28 pm

ShutterstockTo start construction, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has shifted northbound traffic into the southbound lanes.

EFFINGHAM COUNTY, IL (Chambana Today) — Motorists on Interstate 57 in Effingham County should expect lane closures as work begins on a bridge replacement project north of Effingham.

The bridge carrying northbound traffic over the East Branch of Green Creek will be replaced at a cost of $7.2 million. To start construction, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has shifted northbound traffic into the southbound lanes.

Construction of median crossovers began Monday, with one lane of traffic in each direction closed three miles north of the I-70/57 interchange. The crossovers are expected to be complete by mid-April, while the full bridge replacement is scheduled for completion in November.