Winnebago County - I-39 Kishwaukee River Bridge Replacement Project

Project limits on I-39 between Blackhawk and Baxter roads.

The I-39 Kishwaukee River bridge replacement project serves as a major north-south interstate corridor, supporting commuter travel and freight movement between Illinois and Wisconsin. The existing northbound and southbound I-39 bridges over the Kishwaukee River are a critical link in this regional transportation network.

The project includes the full removal and reconstruction of the dual I-39 bridges over the Kishwaukee River, along with road improvements needed to support the new structures. Work is currently underway that includes the evaluation of existing conditions, development of bridge replacement concepts, environmental coordination, and agency and stakeholder outreach.

IDOT has coordinated with Ogle County, Winnebago County, the city of Rockford and the Region 1 Planning Council (Rockford Region MPO), as well as environmental, freight and community stakeholders, and will continue to do so throughout the project.

Project Purpose

The I-39 Kishwaukee River bridges are an essential part of the regional transportation system and carry interstate traffic, freight and daily traffic; however, the twin structures have reached the point where replacement is more cost-effective than continued maintenance and repairs. Replacing the existing bridges will maintain safe and reliable travel.

Note: IDOT projects typically have three distinct phases. Phase I (or the project study) consists of developing the project scope, environmental studies and preliminary design of a project. Phase II (design) consists of refining the design to develop contract plans and land acquisition. Phase III (construction) consists of the actual construction of the project.

Phase I engineering is currently underway. The project will be delivered using a progressive design-build method, which allows design and construction activities to advance concurrently.

• Early activities (e.g., tree removal): Fall 2026
• Construction begins: Spring 2027
• Construction substantial completion target: Late fall 2029

Traffic on I-39 will be maintained throughout construction.

Documents

Project Handout - Coming Soon

Q. What are the goals of the project?
A. The goals of the project are to improve safety for motorists, restore reliable travel along I-39, and reduce future maintenance needs and costs. To help achieve these goals, IDOT is using a progressive design-build approach that streamlines project delivery, shortens construction duration and minimizes impacts to the traveling public.

More information regarding IDOT Innovative Project Delivery and PDB approach can be found here: Innovative Project Delivery

Q. What work is included in the project?
A. The project will include engineering and environmental studies, preliminary and final design, and construction of the new I-39 bridges over the Kishwaukee River.

Q. Will I‑39 remain open during construction?
A. Yes. Traffic will be maintained on I‑39 throughout construction. Safety measures will be in place throughout the project, including traffic controls and work zone signage. Any traffic changes will be communicated to the public in advance.

Q. How long will the project take?
A. Phase I work is currently underway and is expected to take approximately 12 months. Construction is anticipated to follow Phase I, with a target substantial completion for the bridge replacement near the end of 2029.

Contact Us

Project updates and milestones will be shared as the project progresses. Visit this website regularly for the latest information.

If you have questions or comments about the study, please contact Andrew Lee, IDOT project manager:

Mail: Illinois Department of Transportation, District 2
819 Depot Ave.
Dixon, IL 61021-3500
Attention: Andrew Lee, IDOT project manager

Email: Andrew.Lee@Illinois.gov

Phone: (815) 284-5343