The Illinois Department of Transportation is planning improvements to a section of I-74 and I-155 near Morton in Tazewell County.
The I-74 portion of the project will begin just east of the I-74/I-474 interchange and will extend through the I-74/Morton Ave. interchange in Morton. The I-155 portion of the project will begin at the I-74/I-155 Interchange and will extend south on I-155 to the I-155/IL 98 (Birchwood Ave.) interchange.
The project will feature the reconstruction of the I-74/I-155 interchange into a new configuration; ramp improvements at the I-74/Morton Ave. interchange; removal of eight existing structures on I-74 with replacement of six of those structures; pavement removal and replacement on both I-74 and I-155; construction of additional through lanes on I-74; installation of highway lighting; and, installation of roadway drainage.
These improvements are needed to address the deterioration of the existing structures, which are reaching the end of their service life. This project will bring the roadways and ramps up to current design standards.
The goal of this $85 million dollar project is to enhance the flow of traffic and reduce congestion while also providing a safer facility for the public. The project is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2013 and be completed by late summer of 2015.
For more details regarding this project visit the Illinois Department of Transporation website at http://www.dot.il.gov/ImprovingI74I155/index.html