Illinois State Police Focuses Resources and Increases Patrols on I-57 Near Mt. Vernon in Advance of Holiday Travel

November 12, 2026

DUQUOIN – The Illinois State Police (ISP) is increasing patrols and ramping up enforcement efforts in advance of the holiday season. Earlier this month, ISP began focusing daily resources on I-57 near Mt. Vernon as part of a construction work zone safety initiative. During the first week in November, ISP issued more than 650 citations and warnings to drivers, completed more than 80 Motor Carrier Safety Inspections, and placed 17 commercial vehicles traveling through these zones Out of Service.

“To help ensure those traveling through the construction zones and those working in it are safe, ISP is increasing collaboration among numerous ISP work units, including Troop 10 Patrol, the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Bureau, and Special Operations Group, to get drivers to slow down, follow others at a safe distance, move over, and stop driving when distracted – some of the leading causes of crashes,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly.

This high saturation and visibility approach is aimed at deterring speeding and distracted driving in the area to prevent crashes. In addition to working with ISP to increase patrols, amplify awareness of the project, and address safety in the work zone, the Illinois Department of Transportation has maintained two lanes in each direction during peak or daytime hours, scheduled some of the more impactful work during off-peak hours, reduced speed limits, and added additional lane markings to help guide traffic.

“In any work zone, the people working behind the cones and barricades want to get home safely to their families and loved ones,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “We appreciate the partnership with Illinois State Police to help build driver awareness and reinforce safer habits when you are behind the wheel in one of our largest, most active work zones anywhere in the state. Slowing down, following the signs, and avoiding all distractions can save lives – including your own.”

Last year, 50% of crashes ISP handled in Jefferson County occurred in a work zone. Construction in the two zones on I-57 near Mt. Vernon will continue until June and October 2027.

With this and many other construction projects throughout the state, drivers should allow plenty of time for travel, reduce speed, avoid tailgating, and pay attention to the road. Speeding, distracted driving, following too closely, and driving while impaired in work zones are serious offenses, which can result in tragic consequences.

-more-I-57 Work Zone Enforcement/ Page 2 The minimum fine for a first offense of speeding in a work zone is $250. A second offense results in a suspended driver’s license for 90 days and a $750 fine. If the violation results in injury to another person, the violator’s driver’s license will be suspended for a mandatory period of anywhere between six months and two years.

When approaching a work zone or vehicle with its emergency lights activated, motorists are reminded that the Move Over Law requires them to slow down and move over. A person who violates the Move Over Law faces a fine of no less than $250 and no more than $10,000 for a first offense. If the violation results in injury to another person, the violator’s driver’s license will be revoked. Additional information about ISP related crashes can be found on the ISP Move Over Crash Map.

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