Kirk Road over UPRR Bridge Replacement – Pre-Stage Construction

Pre-stage construction for the Kirk Road over Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) Bridge Replacement project is scheduled to begin the week of November 2, 2026, weather permitting. Construction work hours will generally be from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Initial work will include removal of the center median on Kirk Road north of IL Route 38 and installation of temporary pavement. This work is anticipated to take approximately four weeks to complete. Temporary daily lane closures will be necessary, and flaggers will be present as needed to direct traffic safely through the work zone.

The overall project includes demolition of the existing 18-span bridge and construction of three new single-span bridges over Reed Road, the Union Pacific Railroad and White's Creek. Additional improvements include the addition of a third striped lane, traffic signal modernization, a multi-use path, storm sewer replacement, a detention pond, retaining walls, and landscape restoration.

​Kirk Road will remain open during construction; however, motorists should anticipate lane closures and delays, particularly during work hours. Drivers are encouraged to consider alternate routes, allow additional travel time, reduce their speed, and follow all posted traffic controls and flagger instructions.

Visit the Traffic Advisories webpage for more information on

road closures, detours, and active KDOT projects.

​Motorists should expect delays while traveling through the work areas, consider alternate routes and expect additional commute time. Motorists are asked to reduce their speed, watch for construction workers and vehicles entering and leaving the site and obey flaggers and traffic control devices. It is illegal to talk or text on a cell phone while driving