ROCHELLE – The Rochelle City Council has approved a Joint Agency Agreement with IDOT for the planned improvements to the Illinois Route 38 and I-39 Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI). The project includes the reconstruction of the existing interchange and new traffic signals at the on/off ramps and Dement Road
Rochelle City Engineer Sam Tesreau noted that the project isn’t just for the benefit of vehicle traffic.
“And the bonus that we get is the shared use path that now links the two sides of I-39 and allows us ease of pedestrian movements to the east side,” he said. “While it’s undeveloped today, it won’t remain like that forever. So it would be nice to have that in place.”
The total project cost is estimated at $24 million, with the City’s portion estimated at $1.9 million. City funds will be allocated from various sources, including the RMU Electric Distribution Capital Fund and the General Fund. The project is expected to bid in May, with construction scheduled to start by July 2025. Rochelle’s payment will be deferred until 2026.
