LEE/WINNEBAGO COUNTIES, IL -- Resurfacing of nearly 21 miles of Interstate 39 from the Lee County line, just south of Rochelle, to Baxter Road in Winnebago County will begin Monday, June 3. Also included in this contract is the rehabilitation of 15 bridges on and over I-39 within the same section.

The bridges that carry various roadways over I-39 will be under construction from June 3 through September 5. Road closures will be set up to complete the rehabilitation of bridges at McNeal Road, Big Mound, Twombly Road, Ritchie Road, Ivy Road, and Mowers Road. The road closures will be limited to three weeks at each location to minimize the impact to the traveling public. Temporary traffic signals will be utilized at Creston Road and Lindenwood Road for the rehabilitation of these bridges. The IL 64 bridge rehabilitation will be completed under stage construction with the lanes reduced and traffic separated from the work zone by temporary concrete barrier wall.

The resurfacing of I-39 is also scheduled to start on June 3. Lane closures will be restricted to a maximum of 7 miles and all lanes will be open during non-working hours. All lanes will also be open on Friday afternoons and all weekends to prevent roadway backups during the summer months.

The bridges on I-39 at IL 72 and Kilbuck Creek will be under construction after September 5, 2002. Rehabilitation of these two bridges will be done under stage construction with the lanes reduced and traffic separated from the work zone by temporary concrete barrier wall. During this phase of the construction, lanes will remain closed during the weekends.

Bob Propheter Construction is the prime contractor on the $19.3 million project. Construction is scheduled to be completed by November 15, 2002. Motorists are reminded to slow down and use caution through all construction zones.

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