I-57/74 Interchange Reconstruction Project

Modernizing an outdated cloverleaf to improve traffic flow, efficiency and safety in Champaign's major freight juncture.

Project location in Champaign. See drone photos of each quadrant.

Overview

The I-57/74 interchange located just west of Champaign was designed in 1958 and built in 1965. It’s outdated design no longer meets current traffic volumes and demands and has experienced operational issues due to deficient geometric features.

This multi-year rehabilitation project which broke ground in 2021 is a culmination of several related projects to rebuild a critical regional freight juncture serving almost 40,000 vehicles per day with nearly 25% being freight trucks.

The new modern design for the interchange will include two flyover ramps to improve safety and traffic flow efficiency for travelers in the region: Eastbound I-74 to northbound I-57 and westbound I-74 to southbound I-57. A third, auxiliary lane will also be added to both directions of I-74 between Prospect and Duncan Roads to accommodate increased traffic in the region.

Notable improvements include:

  • Restoring green spaces with native grass to cut down on future planting
  • Adding LED lighting for improved visibility and efficiency
  • Metalizing the structural steel to minimize future painting
  • Using stainless steel rebar for flyovers to extend the structures' lifespans
  • Installing noise walls on both sides of I-74 east of Mattis Avenue

Upon completion, the new interchange will eliminate the merging, weaving and slower speeds of the existing structure, resulting in better travel times and fewer conflict points between vehicles improving safety.

Project Cost: The total I-57/74 interchange investment including ramp and interstate reconstruction will be an estimated $251.8 million. This project is made possible by Gov. Pritzker's historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program.

Photo compares progress from Fall 2023 (left) to Spring 2024 (right)

Photos

Press Releases/Traffic Impacts

  • Eastbound I-74 to northbound I-57: Ramp is closed. Currently, setting girders with anticipated opening of the new flyover structure in Fall 2026.
    • Motorists wanting to travel northbound will be detoured to exit at the I-57 southbound ramp, continue south to Curtis Road and take the Curtis Road exit. Motorists will then turn left on Curtis before taking I-57 northbound.
  • Eastbound I-74 to southbound I-57: Temporary ramp is open. Currently, completing bridge work and preparing for PCC (Portland Cement Concrete) paving with anticipated opening in Summer 2025.
  • Westbound I-74 to northbound I-57: Ramp opened November 16, 2024.
  • Westbound I-74 to southbound I-57: Existing ramp is open. Currently, preparing for forming the bridge deck on the new flyover structure with anticipated opening in Fall 2026.
  • Northbound I-57 to eastbound I-74: Ramp is open. (It will close for 2 weeks in the Summer of 2025) Currently, preparing for PCC paving.
  • Northbound I-57 to westbound I-74: Ramp is closed. Currently, preparing for PCC paving with anticipated opening in Spring 2025. Motorists traveling north on I-57, wanting to go west on I-74, continue through the interchange northbound on I-57 to the Market Street exit (Exit 240). Take the exit to the right and turn left at the top of the ramp. Then, re-enter I-57 southbound. Travel back to the interchange and exit to the right for I-74 westbound.

Fast Facts

  •  2023 project progress overview 
  •  2024 project progress overview 
  •  By-the-numbers infographic 
  • Each flyover ramp is 1,700-foot-long made of stainless steel (instead of the typical epoxy-coated steel), which doubles the structures' service life from 50 to 100 years.
  • Currently, the project remains on budget with 95% federal funding and 5% state funding.
  • Benefits: Upon completion, the new configuration will increase mobility through the interchange, allowing vehicles to maintain higher speeds with increased safety. There will be fewer conflict points where vehicles cross paths. The third lane will reduce traffic queueing in the future.

The graphic shows the construction timeline for the Mattis Avenue over I-57/74 bridge replacement, the U.S. 150 over I-57 bridge replacement, I-57/74 interstate flyovers and I-57/74 interstate pavement.

Milestones

April 18, 2024, 10:05 am - Setting the last beam on the flyover structure that will carry WB I-74 to SB I-57

Connect with Us

For more information on IDOT projects, click  here . For IDOT District 5 updates, follow us on Twitter at  @IDOTDistrict5  or view area construction details on IDOT’s  traveler information map  on GettingAroundIllinois.com.



Photo compares progress from Fall 2023 (left) to Spring 2024 (right)

The graphic shows the construction timeline for the Mattis Avenue over I-57/74 bridge replacement, the U.S. 150 over I-57 bridge replacement, I-57/74 interstate flyovers and I-57/74 interstate pavement.