Head-to-head traffic configuration planned for this phase
PADUCAH, Ky. (Feb. 18, 2026) – The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) plans to restart work zone lane restrictions on the Interstate 24 Ohio River Bridge, which connects Paducah and Metropolis, on Monday, Mar. 2, weather permitting. Lane restrictions for Phase 2 of the $38 million rehabilitation project are expected to continue until Oct. 13, 2026.
Phase 1, the first of three consecutive construction seasons, ran from Mar. 3 to Dec. 12, 2025. Work included deck and structural steel repairs, as well as joint replacements, to upgrade the interstate crossing over the Ohio River at the Kentucky-Illinois State Line.
During this construction season, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction. A 10-foot, 6-inch lane width restriction will be in effect.
However, following a week or two of prep work, all traffic will be shifted to the westbound lanes in a head-to-head configuration, allowing both eastbound lanes to close for construction of a new concrete deck overlay. A temporary barrier will be placed along the center of the westbound lanes to carry two-way traffic.
Motorists should expect delays during peak hours and use extreme caution in the work zone. The posted speed limit on I-24 between mile points 7.5 and the bridge is 55 mph in both eastbound and westbound directions.
Watch for signs, obey the posted speed limits, and use caution when merging. Once the head-to-head pattern is implemented, any crash within the work zone will affect traffic in both directions.
The entire project is expected to be completed by fall 2027.
As a reminder, due to weight, height and width restrictions, large commercial vehicles and semi-trucks are prohibited from crossing the U.S. 45 Ohio River “Brookport” Bridge between Paducah and Brookport.
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