The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that paving of Interstate 57 in Kankakee County began Sunday, August 22.  The work will take place between the Chebanse interchange (exit 302) and the Kankakee River just south of the Illinois 17 interchange (exit 312).

Work  is now started in the southbound lanes.  Paving of the northbound lanes is scheduled to begin Monday, August 30. One lane of traffic will be open during the work,

Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area and be prepared for slow and stopped traffic. 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.

The work is part of a $20,058,764 project to replace the Otto Road bridge deck, improve I-57 from the Kankakee River to the Iroquois County line and work on the River Road bridge over I-57 in Kankakee. Kankakee Valley Construction Company Inc. of Kankakee and Gallagher Asphalt Co. of Thornton are the joint venture contractors of the project, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.

94.1 WGFA