IDOT suspends lane closures to give motorists a break

[June 30, 2009]  SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig urges Illinois drivers to buckle up and stay sober as they get ready to hit the roadways for the Fourth of July weekend. Hannig also announced that IDOT will make sure roads are open wherever possible, but some projects will continue, resulting in lane closures over the holiday weekend. Motorists are advised to comply with the posted speed limit of 45 mph at all times while driving through a work zone.

IDOT is also working in conjunction with Illinois State Police to make sure drivers are staying sober. As families and friends come together to celebrate the holiday, ISP patrols will target impaired drivers in an effort to save lives by preventing alcohol-related crashes.

"While we want everyone to enjoy their holiday weekend, we must put safety first and remind motorists to not drink and drive, and to be conscious of work zones," Hannig said. "We will limit lane closures where possible to provide some relief to those traveling over the holiday weekend, but some areas will still have workers present, so please obey the posted speed limits and drive cautiously."

IDOT will suspend construction-related lane closures starting at 3 p.m. Thursday to midnight Sunday.

Wherever a road is closed, a detour will be posted. In some areas, there will be lane restrictions.

Due to the nature of some projects, a number of work zones will continue to have lane closures. Motorists are advised to slow down and be alert in those work zones, and are reminded that work zone speed limits are still in effect.

For more information about ongoing construction projects, motorists can check IDOT's Web site for travelers, www.illinoisroads.info.

Interstate road information is also available by calling 1-800-452 IDOT (4368).

For a list of areas where road projects will affect traffic over the holiday weekend, click here.

[Text from Illinois Department of Transportation file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]