Lane closures on metro-east highways will interrupt morning commute, IDOT says

The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that maintenance and construction work will prompt a number of lane closures on metro-east highways beginning this week.

Eastbound and westbound lane closures on Interstate 64 between Illinois 157 and Illinois 50 in O’Fallon began Monday morning and will continue through the summer to allow for pavement and bridge work. Two lanes will remain open in each direction, according to an IDOT news release.

IDOT said there may also be nighttime lane closures. If necessary, eastbound I-64 lane closures will take place from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m., and westbound closures from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

In addition, lanes closed on westbound U.S. 50 at Interstate 64 in O’Fallon Monday, for bridge work, another news release stated. IDOT expects traffic to be reduced to one lane in each direction through early summer.

IDOT also announced a relatively short-term change in Madison. Beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, eastbound Interstate 55/70 will be reduced to two lanes between Illinois 203 and Exchange Avenue for bridge maintenance.

The ramp from westbound I-64 to eastbound I-55/70—which serves as a connector to the Martin Luther King Bridge—will be closed during this time, according to IDOT. The agency expects the ramp and all affected eastbound I-55/70 lanes to reopen by 6 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 12.

In news releases, IDOT urges drivers to plan for delays and seek alternate routes.

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