Business U.S. 24 work begins next week

August 27, 2026 - 17:17

WASHINGTON, Ill. - Drivers in the Washington area should plan for delays starting next week as the Illinois Department of Transportation begins a pavement repair and resurfacing project on Business U.S. 24, also known as McClugage Road.

The work will focus on the stretch between the Interstate 74 interchange and the bridge over the Illinois River. Crews will first handle pavement patching, then move to a full resurfacing of the roadway. The project is expected to take several weeks, weather permitting.

According to IDOT, the road will remain open to traffic during construction, but lane closures will be in effect during daytime hours. Drivers should expect single-lane traffic in both directions, with flaggers directing vehicles through the work zone. The speed limit will be reduced in the construction area, and fines for speeding in work zones will be doubled.

Local officials are asking commuters to consider alternate routes, especially during peak morning and evening travel times. The work is part of a broader effort to maintain the aging infrastructure along the river corridor, which sees heavy truck traffic daily.

No detour is planned, but IDOT advises allowing extra travel time. The project is scheduled to wrap up before the end of the construction season, though weather could push the final paving into early fall. Updates will be posted on electronic message boards along the route.