CHAMPAIGN — The Illinois Department of Transportation announces that repairs to the bridge that carries Prospect Avenue over Interstate 74 in Champaign will begin Monday, June 3.
The project involves making repairs to the bridge and replacing the bridge deck and will begin with placing protective shielding under the bridge and installing temporary signals on Prospect Avenue, which will require both daytime and nighttime lane closures on Prospect and Interstate 74.
Permanent lane closures on Prospect Avenue to allow for structural repairs and replacement of the bridge deck will begin Thursday, June 13. One lane of traffic in each direction and one turn lane will be open at all times during construction, which is expected to last until November.
Because of the potential for gridlock, IDOT is urging motorists to avoid the construction area whenever feasible. When traveling on I-74, motorists wanting to reach North Prospect Avenue should use the Neil Street exit and take Neil to Town Center Boulevard to Prospect. Interstate 57 motorists should use the Olympian Drive exit to reach North Prospect.
Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment.
