Rehab of I-24 Ohio River bridge starts today; won't be done until 2027

And so it begins.

The long-term project to rehabilitate the 50-year-old Interstate 24 Ohio River bridge between Paducah and Metropolis officially begins today, and continue for more than two years.

The Illinois Department of Transportation says the $44 million project on the mile-long structure will include new pavement, replacement of expansion joints, structural steel and concrete repairs, and painting the steel spans.

Traffic has been reduced to one lane in each direction. Concrete barriers will be installed across the length of the bridge. A width restriction of 10 feet, six inches will be in place.

As recent history reminds us, travel delays will become all too familiar when interstate traffic routinely backs up in both directions. Traffic will also increase on the nearby US 45 Brookport bridge as drivers try to avoid the construction. Semi traffic is not allowed on the Brookport bridge.

KYTC will reduce the speed limit to 55 mph beginning at Exit 7 on westbound I-24 leading up to the bridge. Electronic "smart" message boards will be in place to warn approaching drivers in real time when delays are occurring.

Lane restrictions will continue this year until October 14. Project dates for 2026 and 2027 will be announced by IDOT later.

The entire project is expected to be completed by September 2027. It's hoped that the work will add another 20 years of useful life to the bridge.

It's part of the $45 billion "Rebuild Illinois" initiative for statewide projects slated from 2025 through 2030.