Work continues on I-57/I-64 interchange project in southern Illinois

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ill., (KBSI) — Construction is continuing on a major interstate project at the I-57/I-64 interchange at Illinois 15, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Crews are building bridge abutments and a center pier as part of a new diverging diamond interchange. Officials said structural steel installation is expected to begin later this spring.

The project is part of a broader effort to expand I-57 across southern Illinois, widening sections of the highway from four lanes to six lanes between Marion and Mount Vernon.

The interchange project is estimated to cost about $38.7 million and includes reconstructing the Illinois 15 overpass, upgrading ramps and approaches, and improving pavement, drainage and traffic signals.

The larger corridor project is supported by about $325 million in state funding through the Rebuild Illinois program. Construction is expected to continue through 2028, with the interchange project in Mount Vernon anticipated to be completed in 2027.