Preliminary work has begun for a major expansion of Illinois Route 97 west of Springfield.
The Illinois Department of Transportation said medians are being removed on Jefferson Street west of Veterans Parkway. Some lanes are closed for that work.
Route 97 will be expanded to a four-lane expressway from Veterans Parkway to the Route 125 intersection.
The project also includes replacement of the Sangamon Valley Trail bridge over Route 97, and realignment of Moore Road to connect with a relocated and signalized intersection with Bradfordton Road.
