Carbondale Reporter

State Representative Dave Severin is reminding motorists planning to travel on Interstate 57 in Franklin County of upcoming ramp closures in both northbound and southbound lanes.

“I’m urging all motorists to heed warnings, watch detour signs carefully, and obey all traffic speed limit and warning signs to keep our IDOT employees and fellow motorists safe as construction work continues on exit ramps on I-57 in Franklin County,” Severin said. “Great progress is being made toward bringing a third lane on I-57 from Benton to Marion. Let’s give our workers a break. Please slow down, and stay safe.”

Severin provided the following specific information regarding the ramp closures scheduled for August. The information listed below comes from press releases provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

I-57 ramp closures at Illinois 14 in Franklin County:

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that the southbound Interstate 57 entrance ramp at Illinois 14 (exit 71) in Benton will be closed for approximately seven days beginning, weather permitting, Monday, Aug. 5. The closure is necessary for reconstruction of I-57.

Starting, weather permitting, Monday, Aug. 12, the northbound I-57 exit ramp at Illinois 14 (exit 71) in Benton will close for approximately seven days.

I-57 ramp closures at Illinois 149 in Franklin County begin Aug. 5:

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that the northbound Interstate 57 entrance ramp at Illinois 149 (exit 65) in West Frankfort will be closed for approximately five days beginning, weather permitting, Monday, Aug. 5.

The southbound I-57 exit ramp at Illinois 149 (exit 65) in West Frankfort will close for approximately five days beginning, weather permitting, Monday, Aug. 19.

The closures are necessary to reconstruct and convert the Illinois 149/I-57 intersections into two modern roundabouts with new lighting and drainage improvements. The $6.3 million project will also include bridge repairs and safety enhancements with pedestrian and bicycle accommodations. The overall project is expected to be completed in 2025.

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