The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), State Patrol and partner law enforcement agencies are reminding motorists to be alert for the potential of deer darting across roadways during upcoming weeks. Deer/vehicle crashes typically peak during the October and November “rutting” period when bucks pursue potential mates. 

• Slow down, eliminate distractions, and make sure all vehicle occupants are buckled up.
•  If you see one deer cross in front of you, watch for more. One long blast from your vehicle’s horn may frighten the deer away.
•  If a collision with a deer is unavoidable, brake firmly and stay in your lane. Avoid sudden swerving which can result in a loss of vehicle control and a more serious crash. If you hit a deer:
•  Get your vehicle safely off the road if possible and call law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your specific location.
•  It’s generally safest to stay buckled-up inside your vehicle. Walking along a highway is always dangerous as you could be struck by another vehicle.
•  Don’t attempt to move an injured deer.

Illinois Tollway marking major milestone to keep

•     The bridge features 27 spans supported by 26 piers, compared to the existing structure with 53 piers, reducing the impact on waterways, roadway and rail operations below.
•     The bridge deck is supported by 273 precast concrete beams and 52 steel beams. Steel beams, measure up to 10 feet tall and range in length from 57 feet to 134 feet long were transported from Indiana and concrete beams measure nearly 8 feet tall and are up to 187 feet long, were transported from Wisconsin.
•     Nearly 16,000 cubic yards of concrete were used for the new bridge – an amount equal to about 1,760 fully-loaded concrete-mixing trucks.
•     The bridge deck includes 5.2 million pounds of stainless-steel rebar, which is being used on the project because it resists corrosion and helps extend the life of the bridge.

Beginning the week of October 26 and continuing into the winter, lane closures and long-term traffic shifts on the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) will be scheduled as needed for ongoing reconstruction of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway Bridge between Hinsdale and Western Springs as part of the Central Tri-State Tollway Project.

The Illinois Department of Transportation announces that the westbound I-74 on- and off-ramps at Goodfield/IL-117 (exit 112) have been reopened.

Progress continues this year with several ramp, mainline Kennedy, Ryan improvements

• The outbound Ida B. Wells Drive ramp to the outbound Kennedy was closed this winter and reopens by the end of this year. 
• The inbound Eisenhower Expressway (Interstate 290) ramp to the outbound Kennedy will close later this spring and reopen in late 2020. A special detour will utilize the outbound Dan Ryan Expressway (Interstate 90/94) to connect to the Kennedy via the Taylor Street interchange. 
• Adams Street over the Kennedy will be closed this summer, the last of the 11 local street bridges at the interchange to be replaced. It reopens in 2022 with Jackson Boulevard.
• Improvements will begin later in 2020 on the mainline lanes of the Kennedy and Dan Ryan through the interchange, which include the construction of new collector-distributor ramps that will relocate the left-hand entrance ramps at Jackson and Adams. Three lanes will remain open in both directions, but traffic will be shifted.