U.S. 51 BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION SET TO START MONDAY
Motorists are advised that reconstruction of the U.S. 51 bridge over I-72 just north of Decatur’s Walmart on the north end of town is scheduled to begin on Monday, Aug. 30.
The work is being led by the Illinois Department of Transportation which plans to implement the project in stages. Stage 1 will involve night time lane closures to saw removal lines and set temporary barriers. Work during this stage will result in the roadway being reduced to two 11 foot lanes while outside lanes are constructed and speed limits will be reduced to 35 miles per hour.
Traffic will be moved to the outsides of the bridge during the second stage of work. The contractor will have to close I-72 and utilize a detour route to the IL 48/ IL 121 corridor for a maximum of 12 nights during stages 1 and 2.
Plans are for stage 1 of the project to be completed in the fall and for the entire project to be completed in October 2011.
Contact Doug L. Rudolphi, IDOT Senior Resident Engineer at 876-8596 for more information.