New I-39/US 20 interchange celebrated in Rockford

IDOT, local officials and community leaders gathered Oct. 25 to celebrate the near completion of the $98.8 million reconstruction of the Interstate 39 and U.S. 20 interchange in Rockford, another major investment in the region made possible by Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. The project, which features two new ramps that connect both directions of I-39 to and from U.S. 20, improves safety, reduces congestion and enhances quality of life while creating jobs and long-term economic opportunity for the region.

“Through Rebuild Illinois, my administration continues to deliver on its promise to modernize our state’s infrastructure and enhance the quality of life for our communities,” said Gov. Pritzker. “The new I-39 and U.S. 20 interchange will soon improve safety and ease traffic flow while driving economic growth for the Rockford area. The completion of this project is a major step forward in our efforts to transform I-39 and revitalize the region’s mobility.”

The project, which began in the summer of 2023, features five new or reconstructed bridges to accommodate the new ramps. The ramps have been realigned with longer lanes and wider shoulders to increase capacity and improve the flow of traffic, resulting in better travel times and increased safety.

“The rebuilt interchange, combined with other investments made to I-39 through Rebuild Illinois, greatly improves the movement of people, goods and commerce, while setting the stage for more jobs and economic development in the Rockford area,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “Under the leadership of Gov. Pritzker, infrastructure across all modes throughout Illinois is being modernized to improve quality of life at the local level while strengthening our status as the country’s transportation hub.”

Traffic from I-39 already has been relocated to the new northbound and southbound ramps. Paving is wrapping up on U.S. 20, with all work expected to be completed by the end of November, weather permitting. While the work zone remains in place, the public should continue to anticipate delays and allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs, obey the posted speed limits and remain alert for workers and equipment.

The interchange is part of a larger, $302 million multiyear project to improve I-39 between the U.S. 20/Harrison Avenue interchange and Blackhawk Road, which Gov. Pritzker helped to kick off in early 2023. A critical piece that started this year: the $44.3 million conversion of the Harrison Avenue/U.S. 20 and I-39 interchange from a traditional cloverleaf to a modern diverging diamond design. The majority of the project will be substantially complete by the end of 2025, with miscellaneous work to be completed in early 2026.

Other elements include expanding I-39 from four to six lanes with an accessory lane between U.S. 20 and Harrison Avenue as well as replacing several bridges in the corridor. Also, U.S. 20 will be expanded from four to six lanes at the intersection of Mill Road, with the bridges crossing the Kishwaukee River replaced with wider structures. All projects are anticipated to conclude by the end of 2027. More information is available at rebuildi39.com.