Peoria Standard

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has announced that Interstate 80 in Bureau County will be closed for two consecutive nights on March 20 and March 21. The closures are necessary to facilitate the setting of beams for the 470 East Road bridge near Sheffield. According to the announcement, the closures will stretch between the Illinois 78 interchange (exit 33) and the Illinois 40 interchange (exit 45) and will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night.

"Westbound I-80 will close overnight on Wednesday, March 20, followed by the eastbound I-80 closure during the night of Thursday, March 21," stated the IDOT. Motorists are advised to follow a posted detour using Illinois 78, U.S. 6, and Illinois 40 during the closures.

The 470 East Road bridge is part of a bridge replacement project within the I-80 corridor. The first bridge at 645 East Road was completed in the fall of 2023, with the 470 East Road bridge expected to be finished this summer.

Drivers using this route should anticipate delays, allocate extra time for their journeys, and be prepared for slow or stopped traffic. The IDOT also recommends considering alternative routes when possible to avoid the construction area. Motorists are reminded to adhere to speed limits, avoid distractions like mobile devices, and remain vigilant for workers and equipment in the work zones.

For updates from IDOT District 3 on Twitter, individuals can follow @IDOTDistrict3. Additionally, detailed information about area construction projects can be accessed on IDOT's traveler information map at www.GettingAroundIllinois.com.