Construction is set to begin today on a new J-turn intersection at U.S. Route 51 and Leafland Street in Assumption, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation. The project is being done after nearly 30 crashes in six years, including a crash in 2022 that killed two Central A&M students, Conner Rowcliff and Keegan Virden.  The work will carry a $2.7 million price tag and is expected to be completed in September, weather permitting.

The new design will change how drivers access U.S. 51 from Leafland Street. Currently, vehicles can move straight across the highway using a standard stop sign-controlled intersection. After construction is complete, drivers will no longer be able to cross directly. Instead, they will need to make a right turn followed by a U-turn—a setup known as a J-turn.

IDOT says the configuration helps reduce the risk of serious crashes by limiting conflict points between vehicles. A similar J-turn was installed in 2019 at U.S. 51 and Andrews Street in Macon and has proven effective in improving safety.

Traffic will be affected throughout the different stages of construction. IDOT is asking motorists to be mindful of message boards, flaggers, and changing traffic patterns. Drivers are also encouraged to slow down, avoid using mobile devices, and stay alert for workers and equipment.

The project is part of the state’s broader Rebuild Illinois initiative, which aims to revitalize infrastructure across the state. Over the next six years, IDOT plans to improve more than 3,200 miles of highways and nearly 9 million square feet of bridge deck. So far, about $16 billion in improvements have been made statewide, covering more than 6,500 miles of roadway and 686 bridges.

For updates on construction in District 6, IDOT encourages drivers to follow @IDOTDistrict6 on Twitter or visit the traveler information map at GettingAroundIllinois.com.