"This $251.8 million, multi-year project to redesign the I-57/74 Interchange is a cornerstone of our road modernization program, and ... I couldn't be prouder to announce that we've completed the first phase of its construction," Pritzker said. "When we make smart investments in the roadways that working families and businesses rely on, we're constructing a better future for the entire region — one where parents and their children can commute with confidence and where new factories and distribution centers are choosing to locate in Illinois, so they can reliably ship their products across the nation."
"The reconstruction of Interstate 57/74 is a testament to our priorities. We are committed to providing safe roads and dependable infrastructure," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "Thanks to the historic Rebuild Illinois capital program, our administration continues to invest in Illinois' growth."
The I-57/74 project is replacing a traditional cloverleaf interchange built in 1965 that no longer meets current traffic volumes and demands. The new interchange will feature a design that includes two flyover ramps to improve traffic flow and efficiency: Eastbound I-74 to northbound I-57 and westbound I-74 to southbound I-57. To add capacity, a third auxiliary lane will be added to both directions of I-74 between Prospect Avenue and Duncan Road.
In recent months, the framework of the new interchange has started to take shape, with piers getting placed for the new flyover structures. Reconstruction of mainline lanes of I-57 and I-74 has started and will continue for the next two years.
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In 2021, Pritzker and IDOT broke ground on the overall project, with new Mattis Avenue bridges over I-57 and I-74 as well as a new U.S. 150 bridge over I-57 built since then to make room for the new interchange's larger footprint.
"The I-57/74 project is one of the cornerstones of Rebuild Illinois," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. "Under Gov. Pritzker, this project and others like it across the state are not only strengthening the state's transportation system, but also creating opportunity for communities, improving commerce, and enhancing local quality of life."
"I look forward to this project being completed. This was something that has been desperately needed for a long time," said State Senator Chapin Rose. "I'm happy that this extremely dangerous interchange is finally being upgraded to modern design standards."
"With the growth that Champaign County is experiencing, this project is good for our state and our community," said State Senator Paul Faraci. "The project provides improved safety for travelers, economic benefit, and high-paying jobs for our skilled workforce."
In addition to acting as a gateway to the University of Illinois and manufacturing, logistics, health care, and agricultural industries, I-57/74 serves almost 40,000 vehicles a day, nearly 25 percent of which are commercial trucks moving freight.
Upon substantial completion in late 2025 with some remaining work anticipated in 2026, the new interchange will eliminate the merging, weaving, and slow speeds of the existing one, resulting in improved traffic performance, reduced travel times, and fewer conflicts between vehicles.
To provide underrepresented communities, women, and disadvantaged individuals a path toward a career in the construction trades, the project is putting to work members of the Highway Construction Careers Training Program, an IDOT initiative with Parkland Community College to provide critical on-the-job experience.
The project is one of several on I-57 made possible by Rebuild Illinois, remaking the state's longest interstate at 359 miles and a crucial link between cities and major institutions. Rebuild Illinois advanced $84 million in resurfacings and other improvements in Chicago and the south suburbs; $219.4 million in bridge replacements, interchange upgrades, and multiple other improvements in Kankakee and Iroquois counties; and $267 million in capacity and safety upgrades in southern Illinois.
