I-39 Reconstruction in Cherry Valley Underway

CHERRY VALLEY – The Illinois Department of Transportation began a multiyear project this week to reconstruct a two-mile stretch of Interstate 39 from the U.S. 20/Harrison Avenue interchange to Mulford Road. The $125.9 million project will expand I-39 from four to six lanes, add an accessory lane, and include new bridges over Harrison Avenue, U.S. 20, and two railroad lines, along with structures for the Cherry Valley Path and Madigan Creek. Construction will occur in phases over three seasons, with two lanes open in each direction, traffic shifts, and a temporary closure of the Cherry Valley Path. The southbound lanes will be the focus in 2026, median and bridges in 2027, and northbound lanes and final structures in 2028. The project is part of the larger $302.4 million effort to improve I-39 under the Rebuild Illinois program, which has already completed upgrades to the I-39/U.S. 20 interchange and the Harrison Avenue/U.S. 20 diverging diamond interchange.