Funds dedicated for I-74 road project

MORTON – One of the biggest highway makeover projects in Central Illinois is a step closer to fruition.

The Peoria Journal Star reported Sunday that after two decades of planning, state funds have been dedicated for the interchange at Interstates 74 and 155. That’s along with repaving and widening of roads between Morton and East Peoria.

The project is estimated to cost around $85 million. Bids will go out a year from now and construction is set to begin in 2013.

Maureen Addis, program development engineer for the Illinois Department of Transportation, called the project a “major reconstruction” and said some 35,000 motorists travel Interstate 74 between Morton and Peoria each day.

Officials say when it’s completed there will be more lanes, new exit ramps and better lighting.