The Illinois Department of Transportation announces today that weather permitting, construction work on the IL 78 bridge over the Rock River in Prophetstown is to begin on May 18, 2020. The project is anticipated to be completed by September 2020. Civil Constructors is completing repairs to the expansion joints and bridge deck surface on the $857,000 contract. For the duration of the project, the bridge will be reduced to one lane utilizing temporary traffic signals. The bridge will be posted with maximum width signs of 15 ft. 6” but will have a 17 ft. 0” clear opening across the bridge.
The District has delayed the start of the project by two months to minimize impacts to the planting season. Any further delay in starting the project would increase the chance of negative impacts during the harvest season. Agricultural equipment and implements wider than 17 feet will need to find an alternate route or be staged to minimize adverse travel.
Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. To avoid the work area, when feasible, use of alternate routes should be considered. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment.
For IDOT District 2 updates on Twitter, follow us at @IDOTDistrict2 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.