Major road project impacting I-39/US 20 exits near Rockford, Cherry Valley on the horizon

Rockford Register Star
·2 min read
The I-39/US 20 northbound exits are seen on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, in Rockford. These exits are included in a major reconstruction project involving the I-39/U.S. 20 interstates.
The I-39/US 20 northbound exits are seen on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, in Rockford. These exits are included in a major reconstruction project involving the I-39/U.S. 20 interstates.

Significant changes could be coming to some of Rockford's interstates and exits.

The Illinois Department of Transportation will hold a virtual public meeting Jan. 18 to discuss the status of the Phase II design of the proposed reconstruction of Interstate 39 and U.S. 20/51 in Cherry Valley and Rockford.

The proposed project area starts on I-39/U.S. 51 north of Blackhawk Road through the system interchangewith U.S. 20 and ends at the U.S. 20/Harrison Avenue interchange in Cherry Valley.

Here's a look at what the project includes:

  • Reconstructing the I-39/U.S. 20 interchange (System Interchange) that includes expanding the I-39 northbound and southbound ramps from one to two lanes.

  • Reconstructing and widening I-39 to three lanes plus an auxiliary lane from the system interchange to Harrison Avenue.

  • Reconstructing 15 bridges including the U.S. 20 Kishwaukee River crossing and bridges at Perryville and Mulford Roads crossing I-39.

  • Reconstructing U.S. 20/Harrison Avenue with three lanes in each direction from west of South Mall Drive to east of Mill Road.

  • Converting the I-39/U.S. 20/Harrison Avenue interchange from a full cloverleaf to a diverging diamond interchange.

  • Reconstructing and relocating of the Cherry Valley Path under I-39 at Madigan Creek.

  • Adding a shared use path along the north side of Harrison Avenue.

The project is part of the state's Rebuild Illinois capital program.

More information about the I-39 reconstruction project is available on the project webpage athttps://idot.click/I39Rockford.

You can also sign up for the Jan. 18 virtual public meeting at https://idot.click/I39Meeting. A formal presentation will begin at 4 p.m. followed by a question-and-answer segment with IDOT representatives and the project team.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Major changes could be coming to I-39/US 20 exits near Rockford