Illinois DOT photo

Finished 47 days ahead of the original anticipated July 31 completion date, the project rehabilitated and resurfaced approximately 3.5 mi. of I-255 in both directions between the state routes of Illinois 157 and Illinois 15.

The Illinois Department of Transportation recently completed the $65.4 million second phase of its I-255 project in St. Claire County six weeks early.

Finished 47 days ahead of the original anticipated July 31 completion date, the project rehabilitated and resurfaced approximately 3.5 mi. of I-255 in both directions between the state routes of Illinois 157 and Illinois 15. The interstate closed on Feb. 1 for this work.

Work included bridge repairs, safety upgrades, new lighting and guardrails, improved signage and drainage as well as replacement of badly deteriorated pavement dating to when I-255 was first built in 1984. Before those improvements, that section between Illinois 157 and Illinois 15 required frequent unscheduled lane closures for emergency repairs.

Also, by completely closing the highway instead of accommodating traffic and spreading the project over multiple construction seasons, the improvements were completed faster, cheaper and safer — saving an estimated $10 million.

"Under the governor's leadership, we are finding new ways to speed up projects to minimize the inconvenience of construction so you can experience the benefits sooner," said Gia Biagi, secretary of the Illinois DOT, in a statement. "The I-255 project has been a success story that we will look to duplicate throughout the state."

Illinois DOT noted that the $67 million first phase of the I-255 project — 7.5 mi. between Collinsville Road and Illinois 15 — wrapped up in 2020 almost a month ahead of schedule. That phase of the project was completed in one construction season by closing the highway work zone to traffic: reducing the overall cost by $14 million.

The agency added that the remaining three phases to improve I-255 will continue the work between the Mississippi River and Illinois 157. However, dates and timelines are still to be determined for that work, it said.

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