IDOT Announces Overnight Closure of I-57 Between West Frankfort and Johnston City

Bridge improvement project requires temporary detour starting April 20th.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:54pm

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A sweeping landscape painting in muted tones of grey, blue, and green, depicting a long, winding highway cutting through a desolate, fog-shrouded countryside. The road disappears into the distance, dwarfed by the overwhelming scale of the natural environment.An overnight closure of I-57 will force drivers to navigate a detour through the rural landscape, highlighting the power of nature to disrupt even the most essential transportation routes.Williamson Today

The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced an overnight closure of Interstate 57 in Williamson and Franklin counties as part of an ongoing bridge improvement project. Beginning at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 20, I-57 will be closed in both directions between exit 65 (West Frankfort) and exit 59 (Johnston City). The closure is necessary to safely install structural beams for the bridge carrying Stiritz Road over I-57, located just north of Johnston City. A marked detour will be in place to guide motorists around the closure.

Why it matters

This closure will impact traffic flow and commute times for drivers traveling through the region. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and use alternate routes to avoid delays during the overnight work.

The details

Northbound and southbound traffic will be directed to Illinois 37 between exit 59 and exit 65. Flaggers, message boards and other traffic control devices will be used to guide motorists through the detour. All lanes are expected to reopen by 7 a.m. on Tuesday, April 21.

  • The closure will begin at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 20.
  • All lanes are expected to reopen by 7 a.m. on Tuesday, April 21.

The players

Illinois Department of Transportation

The state agency responsible for maintaining and improving Illinois' transportation infrastructure.

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What’s next

Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone.

The takeaway

This temporary closure of I-57 is necessary for an important bridge improvement project, but will require drivers to plan ahead and adjust their routes to avoid delays during the overnight work.