The long-awaited construction at East Court Street in Kankakee is nearing the bidding process.
The first single-point urban interchange in the local Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) district is estimated to be in the $100 million range and will be located at the I-57 interchange at East Court Street. It will consolidate all ramp intersections into one central signalized intersection. IDOT noted that these intersection improvements will help provide for greater traffic capacity and turning movement. Kankakee will also have its name proudly displayed on the overpass. Mayor Chris Curtis said IDOT has approved the city’s design plans to put “Kankakee” on the east and west sides of the overpass, as well as Frank Lloyd Wright artwork and the city’s logo. This massive upgrade will help assist the revitalization of the East Court corridor.
In addition to the work at East Court Street and Interstate 57, $153.1 million in improvements will begin along U.S. 45/52 in Kankakee, including a bridge replacement, new intersection, and other improvements. The 308 interchange in south Kankakee is estimated to be an $85 million investment from IDOT as well, but not expected to start until 2028 or 2029.
IDOT previously had the Maple Street/Waldron Road bridge under I-57 replaced and the I-57 bridge over Grinnell Road and the Norfolk Southern Railroad replaced in 2024.
