IDOT: Southbound I-55/70 To Close For Repairs

The Illinois Department of Transportation announces that a full closure of southbound Interstate 55/70 from the I-270/55/70 interchange near Troy to Black Lane near Collinsville is scheduled to begin Friday, Aug. 9, weather permitting, and last throughout the weekend.

The closure is necessary for placing a new bituminous surface treatment on the roadway.

Starting at 7 p.m. Aug. 9, all lanes of southbound I-55/70 will be closed from I-270/55/70 to Black Lane. 

A posted detour will direct traffic to westbound I-270 to southbound I-255 to westbound I-64 to access southbound I-55/70. 

I-270 eastbound and I-70 westbound traffic will not have access to I-55/70 southbound/westbound at the I-270/55/70 interchange. 

Southbound I-55 motorists will have access to I-70 eastbound.  Only local traffic will have access to Illinois 162 and U.S. 40 via I-55 southbound.

The closure is expected to reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 12.

Drivers are encouraged to use the posted detour throughout the weekend closure. 

The closure is expected to increase traffic on the detour route and other alternate routes in the area, therefore, please allow extra time for all trips in and throughout the surrounding area. 

“Please be patient, reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the detour area,” an IDOT notices states.