Traffic changes underway on I-39 at Kishwaukee River bridge

ROCKFORD, Ill. — Drivers should prepare for a new traffic flow when they next travel I-39.

On Monday, IDOT announced that work is underway to move northbound I-39 traffic onto the southbound I-39 bridge over the Kishwaukee River, south of Rockford. Work will shift one lane of northbound I-39 traffic to the southbound lanes at each end of the bridge.

The shift is needed to fix the northbound bridge.

Once the work to shift traffic is completed, one lane in each direction will run across the southbound bridge. The ramp from Baxter Rd. to northbound I-39 will also reopen.

IDOT says the public can expect delays and should allot extra time for commutes through the area. They recommend drivers use detours of Illinois 72, Illinois 251, and to bypass U.S. 20 to reduce any delays.

IDOT al