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I-255 Rehabilitation Project
Rehabilitating and resurfacing of I-255 from Illinois 157 to Illinois 15 to improve traffic flow, efficiency and safety in St. Clair County.
Overview
Completed on June 14, 2025, the rehabilitation and resurfacing of Interstate 255 fixed a badly deteriorated section of the interstate in the St. Louis Metro East area. The project required a complete closure of the interstate to all traffic for nearly five months. This approach led to a quicker project completion, increased safety, and cost savings for taxpayers.
The benefits of a complete interstate closure included:
- Project completion in under five months instead of two years
- Savings of over $10 million for taxpayers, plus reduced ongoing maintenance costs that would have been needed with staged construction
- Elimination of major traffic backups, lane shifts, and related driver confusion, resulting in fewer crashes
- Enhanced safety for workers by keeping traffic out of the work zones
Funded by Rebuild Illinois, the project involved the rehabilitation and resurfacing of approximately 3.5 miles of Interstate 255 from Illinois 157 to Illinois 15 in St. Clair County. The work included bridge repairs, safety enhancements, new lighting, updated signage, and drainage upgrades.
Improvements to I-255 from Illinois 15 to Collinsville Road were completed in 2020. The 2025 work focused on the section from Illinois 157 to Illinois 15.
- Closure Date: February 1, 2025
- Original Estimated Completion: July 31, 2025
- Actual Completion Date: June 14, 2025
- Awarded Construction Cost: $65.4 million
Detour and Alternate Routes
Project Updates
June 2025
Faster, cheaper, safer!
Work on I-255 from Illinois 157 to Illinois 15 wrapped up on Saturday, June 14, more than six weeks ahead of the original estimated schedule! Drivers in St. Clair County can now enjoy smoother, safer travel.
The accelerated $65.4 million project is the second of five phases to repair and improve I-255. The remaining three phases to improve I-255 will continue the work between the Mississippi River and Illinois 157. Dates and timelines are still to be determined, but the projects are included in IDOT’s latest multiyear program. No decisions have been made regarding additional full closures of the work zones.
We appreciate your patience!
May 2025
Summer is around the corner, and with it comes sunshine and great progress! Throughout the month of May, crews made significant headway, wrapping up bridge deck overlays. Mainline asphalt paving is nearly finished. Guardrail installation, highway signage and lighting improvements are currently in progress. In June, work will begin on pavement striping. Contractors are coordinating closely with IDOT district staff to remain on schedule. Please stay alert and watch for signs, crews and equipment when traveling through the work zone.
April 2025
April began with a visit to the construction site by students of IDOT’s Highway Construction Careers Training Program at Southwestern Illinois College in East St. Louis. The tour gave students a close-up look at ongoing bridge deck work and mainline overlays. Work also continues on the new median barrier wall, highway lighting improvements and bridge painting. In May, work will begin on installing guardrails, light towers, signage, seeding and pavement striping. Contractors are coordinating closely with IDOT district staff to remain on schedule. Please stay alert and watch for signs, crews and equipment when traveling through the work zone.
March 2025
March began with a continued focus on bridge joint removal and replacement, along with bridge deck preparation for patching and new surface overlays. Mainline pavement patching and highway lighting improvements also progressed steadily. Looking ahead, April will focus on starting bridge deck surface overlays and mainline road resurfacing. Contractors are working closely with IDOT district staff to remain on schedule.
February 2025
Interstate 255 is fully closed in both directions from Illinois 157 to Illinois 15 since Saturday, Feb. 1. Thank you for your understanding as we work to make these important improvements. The project is expected to be completed in late July!
Unrelated to the I-255 work, there will be lane restrictions on Interstate 55/64/70 from the Mississippi River to east of the Interstate 64 (Tri-Level) interchange in East St. Louis for a lighting improvement project. These restrictions will occur every weekend, starting Saturdays at 5 a.m. and ending Sundays at 5 p.m. The project is anticipated to be completed in summer 2026. The impact on I-255 detour traffic will be minimal.
We are monitoring traffic conditions closely in the initial days of the closure and will make adjustments as necessary. Please continue to choose the best route for your specific trip and drive safely.
For more information on the I-255 project, follow IDOT District 8 on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or subscribe for updates and notifications.
News
Press Releases:
Radio coverage:
Television coverage:
- Fox2Now – St. Louis – June, 16, 2025
- KTVI (Fox2) – St. Louis – January 21, 2025
- KTVI (Fox2) – St. Louis – February 6, 2025
- KSDK-TV5 – St. Louis – February 3, 2025
- KMOV-TV4 – St. Louis – January 18, 2025
- Fox2Now – St. Louis – January 21, 2025
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For more information on the I-255 project, follow IDOT District 8 on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or subscribe for updates and notifications.
