Reconstructing the Interchange to provide Urban Diamond Interchange

The Illinois Department of Transportation is soliciting electronic bids for reconstruction of the interchange at I-57 and IL-17 in Kankakee County, with bids due July 31, 2026 through the iCX system. The project is federally funded (NHFP-BR-NHPP-BSGY(427)) and carries DBE participation requirements and prevailing wage standards.

The scope encompasses approximately 1.6 miles of I-57 and 0.73 miles of IL-17 reconstruction to provide a single-point urban diamond interchange accommodating future six-lane sections on I-57. Work includes removal and replacement of two major bridges (SN 046-0006 and SN 046-0007) and a railroad bridge (SN 046-0005 to SN 046-9904); removal of bridge decks, superstructures, substructures, and approach slabs; earthwork; concrete and hot-mix asphalt removal and paving; concrete median barrier removal and construction; guardrail removal and construction; storm sewers and pipe underdrains; pavement marking; signing; landscaping; traffic signals; and lighting. The project location spans Kankakee County from approximately 3,600 feet north of IL-17 extending 5,250 feet south along I-57 centerline in Sections 33 and 34 (Township 31N, Range 12E, 3rd PM) and Sections 3 and 4 (Township 30N, Range 13W, 2nd PM).

The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The anticipated project start date is June 1, 2027, following completion of utility relocations by that date. Multiple utilities require relocation, including Aqua Illinois, AT&T, CMS, ComEd, Comcast, and Nicor Gas. The contractor must obtain railroad protective liability insurance for both the Kankakee, Beaverville & Southern Railroad and Norfolk Southern Railway. Special provisions address River Valley Metro bus operations coordination, FAA requirements due to proximity to Greater Kankakee Airport, winter staging, and technical specifications for materials, construction methods, and traffic control.