ILLINOIS — Drivers in southern Illinois are adjusting to a new construction strategy by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT): full highway closures during major roadwork — a move the agency says is safer, faster, and cheaper.
IDOT Says Full Closures Improve Efficiency
Instead of keeping traffic flowing through construction zones, IDOT has been completely shutting down stretches of highways like Interstate 255 during repaving and repairs. The method, first tested in 2020, is now being repeated across key routes in the Metro East area.
“We have found that full closures are safer, faster and cheaper,” said Joel Cumby, IDOT District 8 engineer based in Collinsville.
Projects Finished Early and Under Budget
The second phase of the I-255 rehabilitation through Cahokia Heights and Sauget wrapped up last weekend — finishing more than six weeks ahead of schedule and costing $10 million less than if the project had been done in stages.
Full closures have also been used on sections of I-55/70 in Collinsville and the Poplar Street Bridge, where weekend shutdowns allowed faster resurfacing.
You can read the full report from the Belleville News-Democrat, which details how IDOT’s strategy mirrors successful closures done by Missouri’s highway department 15 years ago.
Why Full Closures Make Roads Safer
According to Cumby, the biggest benefit is safety for both workers and drivers. Unlike partial lane closures, full shutdowns remove the confusion caused by shifting traffic patterns, signage changes, and unpredictable detours.
“No matter how much we try to get the message out there, it’s still an unknown,” Cumby explained.
By closing a full stretch and finishing work in one go, IDOT says the final product is of higher quality and reduces long-term maintenance issues.
Some Inconvenience, But Big Picture Wins
While IDOT acknowledges that full closures can be frustrating to drivers, especially daily commuters, the long-term benefits are significant.
“We understand it’s an inconvenience,” Cumby said. “But we do our best to look at the big picture to see what is best for the citizens of Illinois.”
Have you experienced recent road closures in your area? Share how it affected your commute or if you prefer this faster approach. Join the discussion on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
