Construction on the I-57/I-74 interchange in Champaign-Urbana has marked a high point with the recent opening of the new flyover ramp connecting westbound I-74 to southbound I-57—a structure that is now the tallest in the area and supports about 3,000 vehicles daily. The ramp, spanning more than 1,750 feet and rising to nearly 55 feet, promises significant improvements in safety and traffic efficiency at one of Central Illinois’ most heavily traveled junctions.

“The opening of this new flyover ramp is a critical milestone for the I-57/74 interchange, which – as one of the busiest interchanges in Central Illinois – was long-overdue for enhanced safety and efficiency upgrades,” said state Sen. Paul Faraci (D-Champaign). “This Rebuild Illinois project is creating good-paying jobs, modernizing our infrastructure and delivering real results for the people who live in and travel through the area.” 

Yet, the completion of the flyover does not mean the end of construction headaches for motorists. The overall $251.8 million project, which replaces the old 1965 cloverleaf design, is facing delays. Unfavorable weather, complex staging requirements, and supply chain disruptions have extended the timeline for the remaining phases of work. While the newly opened flyover represents a leap forward, the rest of the modernization—including another major flyover linking eastbound I-74 to northbound I-57—has been pushed into 2026, with full completion now expected in 2027.

Local officials and state leaders say these upgrades are critical for nearly 40,000 vehicles a day, a quarter of them trucks transporting goods for regional industries like manufacturing and agriculture. The project, part of the Rebuild Illinois capital program, is about more than just new concrete and steel. It’s about improving safety for motorists, providing more efficient connectivity, and supporting the Central Illinois economy for years to come.

The flyover ramp debut is part of the broader Rebuild Illinois initiative, a $33.2 billion plan to address key transportation needs statewide through road and bridge improvements. Locally, nearly $300 million has been dedicated to Champaign County this season alone, including several substantial projects such as bridge replacements on Old Illinois 49, I-72, and railroad crossings, as well as resurfacing of U.S. 45.