Through Effingham, I-57/70 serves as a six-mile long corridor in which I-57 and I-70 run concurrently, with I-70 a major route between St. Louis and Indianapolis and I-57 connecting Chicago and points south. This stretch of combined interstate traffic accommodates more than 40,000 vehicles a day, almost half of which are trucks, making it a critical national corridor for freight. Prior to IDOT’s $170 million modernization project, I-57/70 funneled two four-lane interstates into six miles of just four lanes. Congestion plagued the interstate, especially in peak periods. To fix this, IDOT tackled this project that rebuilt I-57/70 and added a third lane in each direction. Interchanges were reconstructed to add capacity and improve traffic flow. Thirteen bridges were rebuilt or rehabilitated, while a bike and pedestrian bridge was added to connect trails on both sides of the interstate. Now, drivers spend less time sitting in traffic (which ultimately improves safety) and the area is ready for the future growth expected in the near future.
America's Transportation Awards 