MARION COUNTY – The Illinois Department of Transportation says one lane of southbound Interstate 57 will be closed starting Thursday, Feb. 16, between just north of Illinois 161 to the Jefferson County Line.  

The ramps from southbound I-57 to and from Illinois 161 will remain open during this time. The lane closure is needed to complete pavement repairs and is anticipated to take four weeks to complete.

This stage of construction is part of a larger project to fully reconstruct I-57 and will include many additional lane closures.

The times and locations of the future restrictions will be announced as the project continues. The entire project is to be completed by spring of 2025.

Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, consider alternate routes, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone.

The contractor on this project is Baxmeyer Construction, Inc. of Waterloo, IL.