Cedarville, August 13, 2025
News Summary
Construction is actively taking place on Illinois 26 in Stephenson County from Brush Creek to Cedar Creek. The project, costing $2.3 million, focuses on patching, milling, and resurfacing the highway. Daily lane closures will affect traffic flow through November, and drivers are advised to be cautious and follow posted speed limits. The Illinois Department of Transportation oversees this project as part of the broader Rebuild Illinois initiative, which aims to enhance transportation infrastructure statewide.
Major construction underway on Illinois 26 near Cedarville; lane closures expected through November
Construction is currently underway on Illinois 26 in Stephenson County, stretching from Brush Creek to Cedar Creek near the northern city limits of Cedarville. The work is focused on patching, milling and resurfacing the highway. The project carries an estimated price tag of $2.3 million and is expected to be complete by the end of November.
What drivers should expect now
Daily lane closures will be in place through the work zone. Traffic will be routed and slowed by flaggers who will control vehicle flow at points where crews are working. Drivers should pay attention to changed road conditions, follow posted speed limits, and watch for signs directing traffic through the work area.
Work details and timeline
The current contract covers spot patching where pavement needs repair, milling to remove the top layer of worn asphalt, and resurfacing to provide a new driving surface along the project corridor. Work is active now and will continue into the late fall. The expected completion date is the end of November, barring significant weather delays or unexpected complications.
Safety guidance for the work zone
To protect motorists and workers, drivers are advised to refrain from using mobile devices while driving in or near the construction zone and to obey all posted speed limits. Flaggers and temporary signage will direct traffic; obeying their instructions reduces risk and keeps traffic moving. Reduced speeds, narrowed lanes and brief stops are likely during daily operations.
Who is overseeing the project
The Illinois Department of Transportation is overseeing the work on Illinois 26. This local project is one piece of a much larger statewide effort to repair and improve transportation infrastructure.
How this fits into the statewide program
The work on Illinois 26 is part of the Rebuild Illinois transportation initiative. Over the next six years, the program plans to improve more than 3,200 miles of highway and nearly 9 million square feet of bridge deck. The total planned investment across all modes of transportation under the program is $33.2 billion. To date, the initiative has delivered about $20.8 billion in improvements statewide, covering nearly 7,897 miles of highway, 815 bridges, and 1,181 safety improvements.
Traffic impacts and congestion
Motorists should anticipate short delays at times due to lane closures and flagger-controlled traffic. Commuters and local travelers may want to allow extra travel time while work is underway. Local access to driveways and side streets should be maintained, but temporary shifts in traffic patterns are possible.
Final notes
The project is a focused effort to restore pavement quality and extend the life of the roadway. Following speed limits and avoiding distractions inside vehicles will help keep both workers and drivers safe through the construction period. Check local signage and follow flagger directions when passing through the work zone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where exactly is the construction taking place?
The work zone runs along Illinois 26 from Brush Creek to Cedar Creek, near the northern edge of Cedarville.
What type of work is being done?
Patching, milling and resurfacing are the primary activities intended to repair and renew the travel surface.
How much will the project cost and who pays for it?
The project is estimated at $2.3 million and is overseen by the Illinois Department of Transportation as part of ongoing state roadwork funding.
Will lanes be closed and when?
Yes. Daily lane closures will be used throughout the work period. Flaggers will manage traffic flow where closures occur.
When will work be finished?
The current expected completion is the end of November, subject to weather and other possible delays.
How does this relate to larger statewide projects?
This project is part of the Rebuild Illinois initiative, a multi-year program investing in roads, bridges and other transportation needs across the state.
Key project features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Illinois 26, from Brush Creek to Cedar Creek (near north Cedarville) |
| Work type | Patching, milling and resurfacing |
| Estimated cost | $2.3 million |
| Traffic control | Daily lane closures and flaggers |
| Expected completion | End of November |
| Project lead | Illinois Department of Transportation |
| Program | Rebuild Illinois (statewide investment) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Construction IL Resources
Additional Resources
- WIFR: Work Underway on Illinois 26 Near Cedarville
- Monroe Times: Monroe’s 32nd Ave Closes Aug 18 – Illinois 26 Work Underway Near Cedarville
- MSN: Work Underway on Illinois 26 Near Cedarville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cedarville
- Google Search: Illinois roads construction
