Today, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced that bridge painting at the Old Route 36 bridge over the Sangamon River south of Riverton will commence on Monday, April 28.
A protective coating is required to keep the bridge safe from the elements, extending the lifespan of the structure. IDOT warns that lane closures will be necessary during the coating process. Message boards, signs and temporary traffic signals will be used to direct traffic away from the closure.
The project is expected to be complete by early September. Until then, motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area.
“To avoid the work area, when feasible, use of alternate routes should be considered,” IDOT writes. “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.”
Over the next six years, IDOT is planning to improve more than 3,200 miles of highway and nearly 9 million square feet of bridge deck as part of Rebuild Illinois, which is investing $33.2 billion into all modes of transportation. The department touts that accomplishments through Year Five of Rebuild Illinois will include approximately $16 billion of improvements statewide on 6,541 miles of highway, 686 bridges and 986 additional safety improvements.
Area construction details can be found on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.
