Extensive bridge reconstruction on Route 171 begins Monday

A $35 million reconstruction project to repair all bridges southbound of Illinois Route 171 at I-55 is scheduled to begin Monday.

Come Monday, preliminary work will start on the northbound lanes to prepare and accommodate northbound and southbound traffic, the Illinois Department of Transportation said in a statement.

On March 30, all traffic will be on the northbound lanes of Illinois 171. Additionally, all ramps on southbound Illinois 171 will be closed to traffic during the entire duration of the project, IDOT said. Detour routes will be posted.

The reconstruction project is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, according to IDOT.