Eastbound I-70 reopening in Effingham ahead of schedule

EFFINGHAM COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that one part of a construction project on Interstate 70 is wrapping up ahead of schedule and reopening on Thursday.

The eastbound lanes of I-70 between Effingham and Montrose have been closed throughout the summer to allow for pavement rebuilding, and construction was origianlly scheduled to last through November. But good weather throughout the spring and fall has allowed for the lanes to reopen earlier than expected, officials said.

Some closures will remain in place, however. Westbound traffic will continue using the left eastbound lane to get through the construction zone. Officials said the continued closure allows workers to correct the striping at the median crossovers, after temporary striping was used over the summer. Past this location, all eastbound lanes will be open.

The overall $50 million…