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

The long-term project to rehabilitate the Interstate 24 Ohio River bridge between Paducah and Metropolis will officially begin on Monday, and continue for more than two years.

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

Traffic will eventually be reduced to one lane in each direction. Concrete barriers will be installed across the length of the bridge.

Travel delays will become all too familiar as 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 on westbound I-24 leading up to the bridge.

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