Springfield, IL – The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has confirmed that all lanes on Interstate 57 are now open in both directions after multiple crashes forced a full closure between Mattoon and Tuscola earlier today. Southbound Interstate 55 at Clear Lake (I-72) has also reopened.
According to IDOT, the earlier series of collisions led to significant travel delays across central Illinois as emergency responders and cleanup crews worked for several hours to clear the wreckage. The department issued multiple updates throughout the morning, initially warning drivers to avoid the affected stretch of I-57 due to hazardous conditions and congestion.
Traffic was backed up for miles during the closures, impacting both local and interstate travel routes. As of Saturday afternoon, normal traffic flow has resumed, and IDOT reports that all northbound and southbound lanes are fully operational.
Drivers are still encouraged to remain alert for residual delays or debris as crews continue minor cleanup operations along the interstate shoulders.
This marks one of several major highway disruptions in central Illinois this month, following a string of weather-related traffic incidents earlier in the week.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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