METROPOLIS – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that lane restrictions on the Interstate 24 Ohio River Bridge connecting Illinois and Kentucky will resume, weather permitting, Monday, March 2, as Phase 2 of the $38 million rehabilitation project begins.
Phase 1, the first of three consecutive construction seasons, wrapped up on Dec. 12, 2025, with all lanes reopened. Work included deck and structural steel repairs, as well as joint replacements, to upgrade the interstate crossing over the Ohio River.
To accommodate this season’s work, I-24 traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction to install a temporary concrete barrier along the center of the westbound lanes. Width restrictions will be in effect. Following a week or two of prep work, all traffic will be shifted onto the westbound lanes, with one lane in each direction separated by a temporary barrier. This will allow both eastbound lanes to close for construction of a new concrete deck overlay. Lane restriction dates are subject to change; any updates will be announced in advance.
Motorists can expect delays during peak hours and should consider alternative routes to avoid the area. The U.S. 45 Brookport Bridge has a 15-ton weight limit and is closed to semi-trucks. The bridge is restricted to vehicles 8 feet wide and 9 feet, 6 inches tall. Drivers of large vehicles should plan accordingly and use alternate state routes.
The lane reductions are expected to remain in place through Oct. 13. Completion of the overall project is anticipated in fall 2027.
Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs and message boards 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 7,107 lane miles of highway and 8.4 million square feet of bridge deck as part of Rebuild Illinois, which is investing $33.2 billion into all modes of transportation. Accomplishments through Year Six of Rebuild Illinois include almost $20.8 billion of improvements statewide to 21,309 lane miles of highway, 815 bridges and 1,181 additional safety improvements.
For IDOT District 9 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict9 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.