Project Overview
The I-57/74 interchange located just west of Champaign was designed in 1958 and built in 1965. It’s outdated design no longer meets current traffic volumes and demands and has experienced operational issues due to deficient geometric features.
This multi-year rehabilitation project is a culmination of four related projects to rebuild a critical regional freight juncture serving almost 40,000 vehicles per day with nearly 25% being freight trucks.
The new modern design for the interchange will include two flyover ramps to improve safety and traffic flow efficiency for travelers in the region: Eastbound I-74 to northbound I-57 and westbound I-74 to southbound I-57. A third, auxiliary lane will also be added to both directions of I-74 between Prospect and Duncan Roads.
Other improvements include:
- Restoring green spaces with native grass to cut down on future planting
- Adding LED lighting for improved visibility and efficiency
- Metalizing the structural steel to minimize future painting
Upon anticipated completion in 2025, the new interchange will eliminate the merging, weaving and slower speeds of the existing structure resulting in improved travel times and fewer conflict points between vehicles.
Project Cost:
The total I-57/74 interchange investment including ramp and interstate reconstruction will be an estimated $216.8 million. This project is made possible by Gov. Pritzker's historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program.
Four Related Interchange Reconstruction Projects
PROJECT 1 (Preliminary): Mattis Avenue Bridge Replacements Over I-57/74
- The project started Summer 2020 and completed the week of August 9.
- COST: $21.1 MILLION
PROJECT 2 (Preliminary): U.S. 150 Bridge Replacement Over I-57
- The project started Summer 2020 and completed the week of September 9.
- COST: $8.4 MILLION
PROJECT 3 (Current): I-57/74 Ramp Reconstruction
- The project broke ground August 23, 2021 with anticipated completion in 2023.
- COST: $125.8 MILLION
PROJECT 4 (Upcoming): I-57/74 Interstate Pavement Reconstruction
- This project is scheduled to start in 2022 with anticipated completion in 2025.
- COST: $91 MILLION (estimated)
