West Central Reporter

Ramps at the U.S. 34/67 interchange near Monmouth will be closed for about six weekends starting July 22 for a scheduled resurfacing and pavement patching project through The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).

State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) reminded drivers of the upcoming closures in a July 20 Facebook post.

"Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area," Tracy wrote. "To avoid the work area, when feasible, use of alternate routes should be considered. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment."

IDOT noted that the ramps would be closed at the same time from 6 p.m. Fridays through 6 a.m. Mondays. Detours will be posted in the area with work expected to be finished by Aug. 29.

Earlier this moth Tracy had called on Democratic lawmakers to place a cap on the state's fuel tax, according to the Galesburg Reporter. Tracy also criticized Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D-IL) for the temporary tax relief included in the upcoming 2023 Fiscal Year budget in the form of the temporary elimination of sales tax on groceries and a six-month delay on the gas tax increase. 

According to The Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association, bridge and road projects are funded through money brought in by the Motor Fuel Tax, otherwise known as the gas tax. The association pointed out that the federal and state gas tax comes out to about 37.4 cents per gallon of gas. It also noted drivers pay an additional state and local sales tax on fuel purchases. Even so, the association highlighted a Department of Transportation report that suggested in order to keep up with road maintenance and repairs, all levels of government would need to spend $105 billion each year. It stated "new or increased revenue sources" would be needed in order to keep up with much needed infrastructure projects.