The Illinois Department of Transportation announced two separate road construction projects that will be taking place in both Effingham and Mt. Zion. In Effingham, construction of the turn lanes on Fayette Avenue through the Raney Street intersection in Effingham begins today. This closure is part of the Fayette Ave reconstruction project.
Resurfacing on Illinois 121 through Mount Zion, from U.S. 36 to the south limits of Mount Zion, will also resume today. The upgraded traffic signals and sidewalk ramps included in this $11.9 million project have been completed, with the milling, resurfacing and striping remaining. One lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction with traffic control signs, arrow boards and barricades directing traffic. Benefits from this project include a smoother driving surface and safer intersections. The project is expected to be completed by mid-June.
In Effingham, through April 29, Fayette Avenue you will not be allowed to turn left onto Raney Street, but one lane of traffic in each direction will be maintained on Fayette Avenue through the intersection. Only right turns onto Fayette Avenue from Raney Street will be allowed, and through traffic is prohibited. The northbound traffic on Raney Street wanting to turn left will be detoured utilizing Grove Avenue and Henrietta Street. Eastbound traffic wanting to access the Speedway gas station will use their east entrance. Signs and message boards will be posted to direct traffic during this partial closure.
If you are traveling through the area you can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. To avoid the work area, when feasible, the use of alternate routes should be considered. You 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.
Over the next six years, IDOT is planning to improve more than 3,000 miles of highway and nearly 10 million square feet of bridge deck as part of the Rebuild Illinois capital program, which is investing $33.2 billion into all modes of transportation. Accomplishments through Year Four of Rebuild Illinois included approximately $12.1 billion of improvements statewide on 5,339 miles of highway, 533 bridges, and 762 additional safety improvements.
For IDOT District 7 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict7 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com, which you can find on www.taylorvilledailynews.com.
