09/02/2026
***Please read below for IDOT update to IL Rt 23 Construction in Ottawa***
OTTAWA – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that weather permitting, work on the Illinois 23 bridge over Interstate 80 in Ottawa will enter a new stage on Wednesday, Sept. 2.
Work during this stage will require the closure of all ramps at the Illinois 23 interchange starting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2, for pavement patching. All ramps are expected to reopen by 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 3.
During this time traffic on Illinois 23 also will return to using the northbound and southbound sides of the road. However, traffic will remain using one lane in each direction to allow patching to be completed in the center lanes and median. Future stages will include the following, and motorists should expect lane shifts throughout the project:
Removal of temporary pavement at the off-ramps.
Electrical work and signal foundation installation.
Curb and gutter, sidewalk, and median installation.
Bridge deck grooving and installation of a protective coating on the new bridge deck surface.
Final pavement marking.
In addition to bridge deck repairs, the $1.8 million project replaced expansion joints and applied a latex overlay. Also, the Illinois 23 pavement was patched between Stevenson Road and Etna Road. This project is expected to be completed in October.
Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zone areas, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment.
