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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of these related projects?
The recently completed Mattis and U.S. 150 over I-57 bridges were in advanced stages of deterioration and due for replacement. They were both lengthened to accommodate new ramps that will run underneath them for the I-57/I-74 interchange reconstruction allowing a better designed interchange to be built based on a Phase I design study conducted in 2012-2015 that included public input. (See Phase I Study section for more information .)
What are the biggest benefits to the project?
This critical regional freight juncture services 40,000 daily vehicles in central Illinois offering many economic benefits to the region. I-74 is a four-lane Class I truck route carrying an average of 38,400 vehicles per day of which 8,500 are trucks.
Rebuilding this outdated cloverleaf interchange originally designed in 1958 and constructed in 1965, with a modern design will improve traffic flow, efficiency and safety by eliminating conflict points and reducing turning movements.
A third, auxiliary lane also will be added to both directions of I-74 between Prospect Avenue and Duncan Road. Some green spaces will be restored with native grass to cut down on future planting. Other improvements include LED lighting and metalizing the structural steel to minimize future painting.
What is the current traffic volume?
The Average Daily Traffic for each route is as follows:
I-57 – (south of 74) – 36,100
I-57 – (North of 74) – 23,000
I-74 – (under Mattis Ave) – 41,400
Mattis Ave (over I-74) – 16,100
Mattis Ave (over I-57) – 5,800
US 150 – 7,400
How much does the overall project cost?
The total investment in the interchange reconstruction was made possible by Gov. Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program.
Contract 70B38 (Mattis) - $20,849,839
Contract 70B98 (US 150) - $8,367,378
I-57/I/74 interchange reconstruction total investment is $251.8 million
Interchange ramp reconstruction - $125,800,000
I-57/I/74 interchange pavement reconstruction - $125 million
For more information about funding, see:
Champaign-Urbana Area Projects Fact Sheet
Are there any closures planned for this project?
Periodic nighttime closures of the interstates will be needed. (9 pm to 6 am, Sunday through Thursday), and a detour will be setup during those times. All other times, at least one lane will remain open to traffic.
Current interchange ramps will be closed for long durations (1 week to 24 months depending on the ramp) and permanent detours will be setup to detour traffic to alternate routes.
Are there any major milestones over the course of the project?
Major milestones include:
- Interchange Type Study (7 Interchange types studied) – Approved 09/16/2014
- Value Engineering Study – Approved 01/12/2015
- Environmental Assessment – Approved 04/23/2015
- Interchange Design Study (Detailed design of selected interchange type) – Approved 02/17/2015
- Final Phase I Report Approval – 10/16/2015
- Completion of the Mattis Bridge Avenue over I-57/74 in August 2021
- Completion of the U.S. 150 over I-57 Bridge in September 2021
- Breaking ground on the start of the new I-57/74 Interchange Ramp construction in late August 2021
More to come!
How will the project affect my regular commute?
Through lanes will be open during daytime hours at all times. Various ramps will be closed for extended durations with posted detours.
What impact will this have on the public transit system?
This project should have little to no impact on mass transit as traffic lanes will always be open during daytime running hours.
Will school bus routes be affected?
No.
