Drivers in Champaign and Urbana should prepare for significant travel disruptions beginning Monday, September 29, 2025. City officials have announced a series of road and lane closures to accommodate essential infrastructure projects, including sewer repairs and street improvements. The work is scheduled to last for several days and will affect key routes in both cities.
Key Takeaways
- Multiple road closures are scheduled in Champaign and Urbana starting September 29, 2025.
- Projects include sanitary sewer repairs, storm sewer maintenance, and concrete street improvements.
- Affected streets include North Race Street in Urbana, and Harvard Street, Bloomington Road, Clover Lane, and Sumac Drive in Champaign.
- Drivers are advised to seek alternative routes and expect potential delays throughout the week.
Urbana Announces Closure on North Race Street
In Urbana, a significant closure will impact the southbound lane of North Race Street. The affected area is located between West Main Street and West University Avenue. This closure is necessary for contractors from Illinois American Water to perform scheduled work.
The work is set to begin at 7 a.m. on Monday, September 29. City officials estimate the project will conclude by 5 p.m. on Friday, October 3. During this period, the southbound lane will be completely inaccessible to through traffic.
Detour Information
To navigate around the work zone, officials have designated North Broadway Avenue as the official detour route. Motorists who typically use North Race Street are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and use this alternative to avoid congestion.
Drivers should anticipate increased traffic on surrounding streets as vehicles are rerouted. Allowing extra travel time, especially during peak morning and evening commute hours, is recommended for the duration of the project.
Multiple Projects Underway in Champaign
The City of Champaign is coordinating several infrastructure projects simultaneously, leading to multiple closures and potential traffic delays. These projects range from urgent sewer repairs to long-term street enhancements.
Sanitary Sewer Repair on Harvard Street
A full closure of Harvard Street, specifically the section between Prospect Avenue and Harris Avenue, will commence on Monday. This closure is required for crews to complete a critical sanitary sewer repair.
The street is expected to remain closed to all through traffic until Monday, October 6. While the road will be impassable for general travel, city officials have confirmed that access to all local properties and residences will be maintained throughout the repair process.
What is a Sanitary Sewer Repair?
Sanitary sewers are the underground pipes that carry wastewater from homes and businesses to treatment facilities. Repairs are essential to prevent leaks, blockages, and potential public health issues. This type of work often requires excavation, making road closures necessary for crew safety and equipment access.
Early Morning Work on Bloomington Road
Motorists on Bloomington Road should be aware of daily maintenance activities. Crews will be performing storm sewer maintenance on the section between Prospect Avenue and Harris Avenue. This work is scheduled for early morning hours to minimize disruption to heavy traffic.
Work will take place from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. each day, starting Monday and continuing through Friday, October 3. According to city officials, these will be temporary lane closures, and no full road closure is planned for this project. However, drivers in the area during these hours may experience minor delays.
Concrete Street Improvements Project
As part of the city's 2025 Concrete Street Improvements Project, several intersections will see lane closures starting Monday. This project aims to enhance the durability and safety of city roads.
The specific locations affected are:
- The intersection of Clover Lane and Branch Road, where one lane on each street will be closed.
- The intersection of Sumac Drive and Winchester Drive, which will also have one lane closed on each street.
These intersection closures are expected to last for approximately seven days. The work involves replacing sections of concrete, which requires time for pouring and curing before it can support vehicle traffic.
Guidance for Area Drivers
With multiple construction zones active, city officials in both Champaign and Urbana are urging drivers to exercise caution and stay alert. Paying close attention to all construction signs, traffic cones, and digital message boards is crucial for safety.
Officials also issued a reminder regarding on-street parking. Drivers should not park their vehicles on streets near any of the construction sites, particularly in areas marked with temporary “No Parking” signs. Vehicles parked in these zones may be towed to allow crews unrestricted access to the work area.
Planning Your Commute
Residents are advised to check their daily routes before leaving home. Using a GPS application with real-time traffic updates can help identify the least congested path. Building an extra 10-15 minutes into travel schedules is a practical step to account for unforeseen delays caused by these closures.
The scheduled work is part of ongoing efforts by both cities to maintain and upgrade public infrastructure. While the closures may cause temporary inconvenience, the repairs and improvements are vital for the long-term safety and functionality of the local road and utility networks.
