EFFINGHAM, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) – A portion of Interstate 70 will be reopening after the Illinois Department of Transportation announced that a paving project had been finished.

According to a release from IDOT,  I-70 eastbound between Effingham and Montrose will be reopened on Thursday, allowing drivers to use the newly rebuilt pavement. The eastbound ramps at the Montrose interchange (exit 105) will also be reopened. 

The project was expected to take until November to complete but due to cooperative weather in the spring and fall seasons, the lanes will reopen earlier than previously anticipated.

IDOT also noted that the left eastbound lane will remain closed just east of the I-57/70 split and just east of the Montrose interchange so crews can correct the temporary striping at the median crossovers that were utilized this summer. The eastbound traffic will use the right lane and once drivers make it through that location, all eastbound lanes will be open. 

The release goes on to say that westbound traffic on I-70 will continue to use the right lane until the barrier wall is removed. IDOT expects the barrier to be removed later this week and more striping and pavement repairs are needed in the westbound lanes before opening completely. Crews expect to have the westbound lanes open by the end of October. 

Drivers are encouraged to use caution, be alert, and slow down while traveling in the area as crews continue to work. Drivers should also continue to expect and account for delays.