Illinois 73 Bridge Work in Stephenson County Begins September 8
LENA, Ill. — The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has announced that construction will begin Monday, September 8, on the Illinois 73 bridge over Yellow Creek in Stephenson County, just south of U.S. 20 and Lena. The project is part of ongoing statewide efforts to modernize infrastructure under the Rebuild Illinois program.
Details of the Illinois 73 Construction Project
The work will focus on repairing the bridge deck and replacing bridge joints, ensuring safer conditions for local drivers. To maintain traffic flow, one lane of Illinois 73 will remain open, with temporary signals controlling traffic throughout the construction period.
The project is expected to continue until the end of November, weather permitting. Drivers should be prepared for delays and plan extra travel time when moving through the work zone.
Travel Safety and Advisory for Drivers
Motorists traveling near the construction site are urged to:
- Pay close attention to signage and changed conditions
- Obey posted speed limits
- Refrain from using mobile devices while driving
- Remain alert for workers and equipment in active lanes
These precautions are critical to protecting both construction crews and drivers during the three-month-long project.
Rebuild Illinois: A Long-Term Investment in Infrastructure
The Illinois 73 bridge work is one part of the broader Rebuild Illinois initiative, which will invest $33.2 billion into transportation improvements across the state. Over the next six years, IDOT plans to upgrade more than 3,200 miles of highways and nearly 9 million square feet of bridge deck.
By Year Six of the program, nearly $20.8 billion in improvements have already been completed statewide, covering 7,897 miles of highways, 815 bridges, and 1,181 safety enhancements. These efforts highlight the program’s commitment to safer, more reliable infrastructure for Illinois communities.
With construction now underway in Stephenson County, residents and travelers alike are encouraged to remain patient and cautious while improvements are made. For more local updates and community news, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.