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IDOT Blog – Thursday, November 14, 2024
Rail Splitter reconstruction underway
Just north of Springfield on Interstate 55, the Rail Splitter rest areas are getting an upgrade.
Work began in September to replace the current structures with buildings that will feature larger bathroom facilities that accommodate families, a foyer area with vending machines as well as maps and information for travelers.
The rest areas originally opened in 1963, the first built in Illinois, and contain historic architectural features, including four retro crane lighting stands and concrete canopies as roofs for the buildings. These two features will be preserved, restored and refurbished as part of the new rest areas.
“Working with the contractors to create modern designs while maintaining the historic heritage found at the Rail Splitter rest areas was a great experience,” said Mike Staab, District 6 roadside manager. “Once completed, this will be another gem in the long list for the I-55/Route 66 corridor in Illinois.”
The updated rest areas will also expand truck parking to accommodate the increased traffic along the I-55 corridor. Today, only six truck parking spaces are available at each of the northbound and southbound rest areas. When the rest areas reopen, there will be 18 spaces at both locations. Additional vehicle parking and future expansion for electronic vehicle charging stations are also included in the plans.
The new Rail Splitter rest areas are projected to open in 2026.
