Rock River Current
Get our mobile app
ROCKFORD — The Illinois Department of Transportation expects to begin work on Monday to replace the Mulford Road bridge over Interstate 39 and U.S. 20.
The bridge replacement is part of a $98.8 million project to rebuild the I-39 and U.S. 20 interchange. The bridge is expected to reopen in September.
More news: Cathy McDermott, who has led Rockford City Market since its inception in 2010, retires
Construction will require the closure of Mulford between Sandy Hollow and Linden roads. Detours will direct motorists to Harrison Avenue, Perryville Road and Linden Road.
Reconstruction of the interchange began last July. Work this year will realign the northbound and southbound I-39 ramps connecting with U.S. 20, add lanes on both routes and build several new bridges.
The interchange rebuild is part of the larger $247.6 million, multiyear project to improve I-39 between Harrison and Blackhawk Road. Work is slated to start this spring to convert the Harrison Avenue interchange from a cloverleaf to a diverging diamond interchange. That project is slated to wrap up by the end of 2025.
IDOT will also expand I-39 from four to six lanes with an accessory lane between U.S. 20 and Harrison. Also, U.S. 20 will be expanded from four to six lanes east of I-39, and IDOT will replace the bridges crossing the Kishwaukee River. All projects are anticipated to conclude by the end of 2027.
