RSS 2.0 News Feed:

On Aug. 21, Illinois — and southern Illinois in particular — will be home to some of the best solar eclipse viewing in the country.

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon travels between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow on the Earth’s surface. An approximately 75-mile area in southern Illinois centered on Carbondale will be treated to a full eclipse — when the moon completely blocks the sun for nearly three minutes. The rest of the state will see a partial eclipse of 85 percent to 90 percent coverage.

Latest Updates

How IDOT is preparing

The Illinois Department of Transportation has been coordinating with other agencies on the state and local levels throughout the spring and summer to make sure the eclipse weekend and viewing events run as smoothly as possible.

IDOT staff will be ready and available if they are needed to assist with traffic detours, communicating travel information and more.

Expect congestion

Crowds of 100,000 to 200,000 are expected to come to the prime viewing areas in southern Illinois. Among the heaviest traveled corridors are anticipated to be U.S. 51 and Illinois 13 corridors, plus Interstate 57. Any lane closures on state projects will be lifted throughout the weekend and the day after the eclipse.

Travel Tips

Viewing Tips

As always, you should never look directly at the sun, especially during an eclipse. To safely view the eclipse, consider:

• Eclipse glasses:

  These special shades are similar to 3D glasses but are certified eclipse-safe for direct viewing. Regular sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe to view the eclipse.

• Solar filters:

  If you want to use a telescope, binoculars or camera, do not use them unprotected even if you have safe eclipse glasses. Consult the manufacturer for a proper filter to attach to your device.

• Pinhole viewer:

  This is a simple, inexpensive way to indirectly view the eclipse. Just take two sheets of white paper (card stock is better) and poke a hole in the middle of one sheet. With your back to the sun, hold the sheet with the hole over the other sheet and adjust them until you see a dot of light. That’s the sun! As the moon travels across the sun, a crescent will appear. 

Resources 

SIU  Carbondale

• Eclipse Website

Souther IL Eclipse Committee

• Eclipse Website

Illinois DNR

• Eclipse Zone Campsite
• Reservations

NASA

• Official Eclipse Viewing
• Location

 www.idot.illinois.gov

The ramp from I-394 east to I-94 east in Minneapolis will close for two weeks early morning on Monday Aug. 14.

A previous release incorrectly announced the closing date for Tuesday morning.

Crews will start closing the ramp late Sunday, Aug. 13. Motorists will see the ramp closed in time for rush hour Monday, Aug. 14.

Crews will begin reopening the ramp late Aug. 27 in time for rush hour Aug, 28.

The detour is MN-100 south to MN-62 east to I-35W north.

Motorists should plan their routes in advance and give themselves plenty of time to reach their destinations.

The I-394 east ramp to I-94 east leads through the Lowry Hill Tunnel. That has been the only lane open in the eastbound tunnel since Aug. 4.

The closure is so crews can make improvements as part of the I-94 Minneapolis to Brooklyn Center project.

Please see the project web page for more information including detour maps. http://www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/i94brooklyncntr/

For real-time travel information anywhere in Minnesota, visit www.511mn.org or dial 5-1-1.

For IDOT District 8 updates on Twitter, follow us at http://twitter.com/IDOTDistrict8.

Citing safety and security recommendations by the Michigan State Police (MSP) and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) will close the bridge to most vehicle traffic during the 2017 Annual Bridge Walk on Labor Day.

Unlike in prior years, only buses used to transport walkers to the starting point for the walk and emergency services vehicles will be allowed on the bridge during the event. All other vehicle traffic will be stopped from 6:30 a.m. to noon while event participants are on the bridge.

“This was not a decision the Mackinac Bridge Authority makes lightly. We understand this change will be an inconvenience to our customers traveling Labor Day morning,” said MBA Chairman William Gnodtke. “Our board felt this choice strikes the best balance of keeping this 60-year tradition going for the tens of thousands of visitors who walk the bridge each year and keeping them safe.”

“While there are no known threats to this annual tradition, recent terrorist-related attacks carried out around the globe serve as a reminder to remain alert and vigilant,” stated Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of MSP and state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “Since 9/11, Michigan has made great strides enhancing the state’s homeland security framework to protect critical infrastructure, key resources and our residents.”

Each year, between 30,000 and 60,000 people from several states and countries come to the Mackinac Bridge for the Annual Bridge Walk, which has taken place since 1958, the year after the bridge opened to traffic.
Roughly 9,000 vehicles cross the bridge during the event hours, with many of them carrying participants in the walk. As before, the two eastern lanes of the bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic before the walk starts. The western two lanes will be open to the buses transporting walkers between Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, as well as emergency vehicles.  The event will begin at 6:40 a.m. with the start of the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness Jog, followed by a greeting from Gov. Rick Snyder at 6:55 a.m. Walkers will begin across the bridge at 7 a.m.

No walkers will be permitted to begin the walk after 10 a.m., as it takes roughly one-and-a-half hours to complete the crossing. Buses will begin picking up any remaining walkers on the bridge at 11:30 a.m. to ensure the bridge is clear and can reopen to traffic promptly at noon.

Buses will again shuttle participants between Mackinaw City and St. Ignace for the start of the walk, and then back to St. Ignace if needed, starting at 4:30 a.m. The MBA plans to secure additional buses to make sure all
participants can get to the starting area prior to 10 a.m.

Northbound I-75 traffic will be stopped at Exit 337 on the south end of the bridge; southbound US-2 and I-75 traffic will be stopped at Exit 344 on the north side.

The MBA intends to alert motorists of this change through media releases, postings on the MBA website (www.mackinacbridge.org), messages on the Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) dynamic message sign system, the Mi Drive travel information website (www.michigan.gov/drive), and notifications to customers at the bridge. The MBA will work with MSP to help inform the public and direct traffic the day of the event.

Motorists driving on Interstate 94 in Minneapolis through the Lowry Hill Tunnel will see lane changes this week.

In preparation for the changes, I-94 east will close at the tunnel from midnight until 5 a.m. Friday, Aug. 4 and traffic will take the Hennepin/Lyndale exit. Interstate 394 east to I-94 east through the tunnel remains open during this tunnel closure.

Early Friday morning, traffic will shift to the westbound side of the tunnel. Drivers will see two lanes in each direction with a concrete barrier in the middle.

The speed limit is 40 mph. Trucks and buses weighing more than 9,000 pounds are prohibited.

Traffic from I-394 east to I-94 east will continue to be able to use the eastbound tunnel until Aug. 14. Then the ramp from I-394 to I-94 east will close until Aug. 28 for improvements.

The following ramps will be closed during this stage:

• I-35W north to I-94 west
• Highway 55 to I-94 east
• Fourth Avenue to I-94 west
• I-94 east to I-35W south

This final stage is expected to be in place until mid-September while crews work on bridges near the Lowry Hill Tunnel and make repairs inside the tunnel.

Please see the project web page for more information including detour maps. http://www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/i94brooklyncntr/

For real-time travel information anywhere in Minnesota, visit www.511mn.org or dial 5-1-1.

Full ramp closures scheduled this summer

Beginning the week of June 26, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) will begin work on I-41/US 45 near Main St. in the village of Menomonee Falls, Waukesha County.

The project centers around replacing a small bridge on both the I-41/US 45 southbound entrance ramp and on the I-41/US 45 mainline. Associated work will involve replacement of storm sewer, concrete barrier and beam guard, along with new lighting, signing and pavement marking.

WisDOT is taking great steps to minimize traffic impacts throughout the project. No lane closures will be scheduled during peak times and much of the work will take place in the evening hours. Later this summer, full ramp closures will be required. Detour routes will be provided during these closures.

The contractor Zenith Tech, Inc. plans on completing the $3.4 million project in mid-2018, with work ceasing during winter months. All ramps and lane closures will be reopened during winter shutdown with additional ramp closures scheduled for spring 2018.

Please note that the schedule of work is weather dependent and subject to change.

More information about the project can be found on 511 Wisconsin at https://projects.511wi.gov/41wauk/.

The Illinois Department of Transportation would like to alert motorists traveling on I-57 in Franklin County of upcoming rest area closures.
 
Beginning Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at 2:00 P.M., the Rend Lake north and southbound rest areas will be closed for extensive remodeling. The rest areas are expected to reopen in the fall of 2017.

For IDOT District 9 updates on Twitter, follow us at http://twitter.com/IDOTDistrict9.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced that a safety improvement project continues at various locations in Kane County. The project includes construction of pedestrian ramps that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Beginning this week, construction of new pedestrian ramps will continue at the following locations. Daily lane closures will be necessary when construction activities are taking place.

• IL-64 at Renaux Boulevard in St. Charles
• IL-64 at New Peck Road in St. Charles
• IL-64 at Kirk Road in St. Charles
• IL-31 at Timbers Trail in St. Charles
• IL-31 at Viewpointe Drive in St. Charles
• IL-31 at Kellar Place in St. Charles
• IL-31 at Horne Street in St. Charles
• IL-25 at Webster Street in Batavia
• IL-25 at Adams Street in Batavia
• IL-25 at Laurel Street in Batavia

Beginning the week of August 8, construction of new pedestrian ramps will begin at the following locations. Daily lane closures will be necessary when construction activities are taking place.

• IL-25 at Long Avenue in North Auro
• IL-56 at Laurel Drive in North Aurora
• IL-56 at Banbury Road in North Aurora
• IL-31 at Marvo Street in North Aurora
• IL-31 at John Street in North Aurora
• IL-31 at Airport Road in North Aurora
• US-30 at Gordon Road in Montgomery

Additional locations will be announced as construction progresses. The overall project will be completed in Fall 2017.

These locations are part of the second stage of the project. Additional locations will be announced as construction progresses. The overall project will be completed in Fall 2017.

Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and be on the alert for workers and equipment.

Click here to find details on other construction projects in IDOT’s District 1.

Work for widening project to begin on I-65 from IN-2 to US-30

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) announces the commencement of major efforts on the I-65 Northwest Indiana Expansion project to start on or around June 1. INDOT is alerting motorists to a shifting traffic pattern at several locations (See below).

During the project, the speed limit will reduced to 55 MPH for the length of the expansion and bridge work. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to the signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and be on the alert for workers and equipment.

I-65 from US-231 to just south of US-30

-I-65 Mainline – On or after June 1, two lanes of traffic in each direction will be shifted toward the existing median. Initial work will include removing signage and guardrail, installing erosion control measures and patching existing pavement. After that, a new outside shoulder will be constructed and the existing lanes will be restriped to provide three lanes on northbound and southbound I-65. During peak hours, two lanes will be maintained in each direction. Intermittent single lane closures will occur at night.

-93rd Avenue – On or after July 15, the 93rd Avenue overpass will be closed for resurfacing. That closure is expected to last four to six weeks. The posted detour will follow 101st Avenue.

-113th Avenue – Upon completion of the work at 93rd Avenue, the 113th Avenue overpass will be closed for resurfacing. That closure is expected to last four to six weeks. The posted detour will follow 109th Avenue.

I-65 just south of IN-2 to US-231

-I-65 Mainline – On or after June 1, there will be intermittent, overnight single lane closures while a portion of the outside shoulder is reconstructed. This is expected to last approximately one week. Two lanes of traffic will be maintained in each direction during peak hours.

-Following the outside shoulder reconstruction, mainline I-65 traffic will be shifted toward the outline shoulder while drainage installation and road construction occurs in the median. During peak hours, two lanes will be maintained in each direction. Intermittent single lane closures will occur at night.

Kankakee River Bridges

-On or after June 1, a portion of the outside lane and shoulder will be resurfaced. During peak hours, two lanes of southbound traffic will be maintained at all times. Intermittent single lane closures will occur at night.

-Northbound I-65 traffic will not be affected during the 2017 construction season.

Drivers can monitor road closures and traffic alerts at any time via the INDOT Northwest District social media channels: www.Facebook.com/INDOTNorthwest or Twitter @INDOTNorthwest. Or visit http://www.trafficwise.in.gov for INDOT’s TrafficWise Traveler Information Service.

Subscribe to receive text and email alerts about INDOT projects at

https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/INDOT/subscriber/new.  

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is alerting drivers to lane closures on I-94, between mile marker 15.8 (Exit 16) and mile marker 16.3 (See map) Monday, April 17 through the middle of November. Crews will remove and replace the I-94 bridge deck over the Indiana Toll Road and reinforce the concrete columns under State Road 51.

During the project, through traffic will always be maintained on I-94 but will be reduced to two lanes in each directions at times. INDOT urges drivers to remember that this is an active work zone and to slow down prior to entering the construction area. Motorists should expect periodic delays and allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers should pay close attention to the signs in the work zone, obey the posted speed limits and be on the alert for workers and equipment.

Drivers can monitor road closures and traffic alerts at any time via the INDOT Northwest District social media channels: www.Facebook.com/INDOTNorthwest or Twitter @INDOTNorthwest. Or visit http://www.trafficwise.in.gov for INDOT’s TrafficWise Traveler Information Service.

Crews to close one northbound and one southbound lane of the bridge over Moffitt Ditch

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is alerting drivers to lane closures on I-65, between IN-10 and IN-14, from mile marker 225 to 227, south of Roselawn, Monday, March 20 through the end of September. Crews will close one north and one southbound lane at a time, over the Moffitt Ditch bridge to make repairs and to restore the bridge surface.

During the project, I-65 will be open to all through traffic, but restricted to one north and one southbound lane in the work zone. Motorists should expect periodic delays and allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to the signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and be on the alert for workers and equipment.

Taking care of what we have

INDOT has been expanding its investments in maintenance and preservation projects to keep pavement and bridges in good condition for as long as possible, targeting bridges and roadway sections with the right treatments at the right times.

Drivers in Northwest Indiana can monitor road closures, road conditions, and traffic alerts at any time via the District’s social media channels: www.Facebook.com/INDOTNorthwest or Twitter @INDOTNorthwest. Or visit http://www.trafficwise.in.gov for INDOT’s TrafficWise Traveler Information Service.

COUNTY:
Wayne
COMMUNITIES AFFECTED:
Detroit, Melvindale, River Rouge, Lincoln Park, Allen Park, Taylor, Southgate, and Brownstown Township

START DATE:
Weekend of Feb. 4, 2017

ESTIMATED END DATE:
Late 2018

PROJECT DETAILS:
Southbound I-75 will be closed from Detroit to Downriver in less than three weeks. This closure is part of the Michigan Department of Transportation's (MDOT) approximately $200 million investment in major repairs over a two-year period.

The detour begins at I-96 in Detroit to Northline Road in 2017; during 2018, the detour will be from I-96 to Sibley Road. Only southbound I-75 will be closed during the two-year period while northbound I-75 will remain open at all times.

The project includes:

• Removing and replacing all concrete on the I-75 Rouge River bridge, the largest concrete surface in Michigan (approximately 20 football fields).
• Replacing concrete on the I-75 bridge at Fort Street, south of Springwells Road.
• Removing the Goddard Street bridge over I-75 and replacing it with two smaller bridges.
• Repairing 13 other bridges along I-75 through the Downriver communities.
• Adding intelligent transportation system (ITS) equipment. ITS includes a combination of electronic, telecommunication and information technology MDOT uses to improve safety and travel times on the transportation system.

The decision to close one direction of I-75 is based on multiple factors, including:

• Speed: Rebuilding one side of the bridge at a time without traffic present will result in the project being completed in the shortest amount of time.
• Cost: The shorter project duration resulting from rebuilding one side of bridge at a time will result in the lowest overall project cost.
• Safety: If the bridge was constructed in sections with both directions of traffic sharing one side, there wouldn't be adequate room for emergency crews to respond to incidents on the bridge.
• Mobility: Maintaining limited two-way traffic on one side of freeway would cause back-ups in both directions, as opposed to one direction. 
• Quality: Rebuilding one side of the bridge at a time will allow construction to proceed without interruption since there will be no need to maintain traffic. The decreased vibrations from nearby traffic will result in the best quality workmanship.
• Duration: By closing southbound I-75, construction activity will move faster since not as much time and effort will be needed to shift traffic.

Motorists will see signs announcing the closure along I-75 to allow residents, businesses, and drivers plenty of time to prepare alternate routes. Detours and details can be found at the project website, www.75rougeriver.com.

The detour route is southbound I-75 to westbound I-96, then southbound I-275 to southbound I-75 in Monroe. Other alternate routes include I-94, M-85 (Fort Street), Jefferson Avenue, and Dix Highway.

Key Trucker Links

Federal / Regional

• Federal Highway Administration
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
• FMCSA SAFER (Safety and Fitness Electronic Records System)
• Mid-West Truckers Association

Illinois

• Illinois Department of Transportation
• Getting Around Illinois
• Illinois DOT Truckers Links
• Illinois DOT Rest Areas
• Illinois Tollway
• Illinois Tollway Construction Projects
• Illinois Tollway Tolling Information
• Illinois Tollway Oasis Information
• Illinois Tollway Overweight/Overdimension Permits
• Illinois Commerce Commission - Motor Carrier/Trucking
• Illinois Department of Revenue - Motor Fuel
• Illinois State Police
• Illinois Secretary of State
• Illinois Department of Transportation - Roadway Safety
• Chicago Skyway
• City of Chicago Department of Transportation
• Illinois Trucking Association

Indiana

• Indiana Department of Transportation
• Indiana DOT TrafficWise
• Indiana DOT Commercial Motor Vehicle Guidebook
• Indiana Toll Road
• Indiana Department of Revenue
• Indiana State Police
• Indiana Motor Truck Association

Michigan

• Michigan Department of Transportation
• Michigan DOT - Info for Truckers
• Michigan Center for Truck Safety
• Michigan Secretary of State
• Michigan State Police
• Michigan Department of Treasury - IFTA / Motor Carrier License
• Michigan Trucking Association

Minnesota

• Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)
• Minnesota 511 Travel Information
• MnDOT Current Construction
• Minnesota Trucking Association

Wisconsin

• Wisconsin Department of Transportation
• Wisconsin DOT Motor Carriers and Trucking
• Wisconsin State Patrol
• Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association