10/25/2026
The Route 157/162 intersection in Glen Carbon is back open! 🚧
After more than seven months of construction, traffic was moving through the intersection on Saturday, October 24, two days ahead of IDOT’s scheduled reopening.
This is a major milestone for the $17.6 million project, which is designed to improve traffic flow, safety, and connectivity along two heavily traveled roadways.
📍 Glen Carbon, Madison County
🚗 6,900–12,200 vehicles per day along these roadways, according to IDOT project data
✅ Illinois 157 reopened in both directions
✅ East leg of Illinois 162 reopened
🌉 New bridge carrying Illinois 157 over Judy’s Branch
🌉 Second new bridge for Illinois 162
🚦 New signalized four-way intersection replacing the offset crossings
🚶 Dedicated bicycle and pedestrian improvements
🚧 West leg of Illinois 162 remains closed
📅 Full completion expected July 2027
So, what does this mean for drivers?
For starters, motorists traveling along Route 157 and the eastern portion of Route 162 can once again use the intersection instead of taking lengthy detours.
But the biggest improvements are still ahead.
Right now, the two sides of Route 162 don’t line up at Route 157, creating two separate intersections controlled by stop signs. The project will bring both sides together at one traffic signal, helping improve traffic flow and eliminate the awkward offset crossing.
IDOT expects traffic volumes along these roadways to reach as high as 16,900 vehicles per day over the next 20 years, making these improvements increasingly important.
The western portion of Route 162 will remain closed as crews finish the new roadway and bridge, with full completion expected by July 31, 2027.
💬 Have you driven through the reopened intersection yet?
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