Emergency Plans Activated Amid Upcoming Area Closure

GLEN CARBON - A major road reconstruction project, set to close a key intersection in Glen Carbon for more than eight months, is prompting local fire officials to adjust their emergency response plans ahead of the shutdown.

Glen Carbon Fire Protection District Chief Jason Whitaker said the Illinois Department of Transportation will begin an alignment project around Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, that will completely close the intersection of South State Route 157 and State Route 162 in the southwest portion of the district. The closure is expected to affect traffic and emergency response in the area.

“This will undoubtedly create not only traffic concerns for all citizens but also response issues for emergency vehicles,” Whitaker said.

IDOT said the intersection of IL-157 and IL-162 in Glen Carbon will be fully closed starting at 7 a.m. on Feb. 26, 2026, for a major reconstruction project expected to last through Oct. 31, 2026. The $17.6 million project will realign the intersection, build new bridges over Judy’s Branch, and improve traffic flow.

Chief Whitaker said the fire protection district has established an Emergency Response Plan “to ensure a rapid response and minimal delays because of the situation.”

“The Collinsville Fire Department, Maryville Fire Department, Long Lake Protection District, and Rural Med Ambulance have all agreed to provide automatic mutual aid to those areas affected for the duration of the project,” Whitaker said. “This means that while you may be a resident in the Glen Carbon Fire Protection District, you may receive services from another department during this road closure.

"In an emergency, call 911 as usual, and dispatchers will send the appropriate resources. To ensure that fire and emergency medical services are not delayed, mutual aid departments have agreed to respond to the affected addresses.”

IDOT said no through traffic will be allowed at the intersection during the closure, which includes the eastern leg of IL-162. The west leg of IL-162 will remain closed for further work until July 2027.

IDOT’s posted detours include routing northbound IL-157 traffic via I-55/70 West to I-255 North to I-270 East to IL-157, and southbound IL-157 traffic via I-270 West to I-255 South to I-55/70 East to IL-157. Westbound IL-162 traffic will be detoured via IL-159 North to I-270 West to I-255 South to IL-162, while eastbound IL-162 traffic will be routed via I-255 North to I-270 East to IL-159 South to IL-162.

IDOT said The Cabin at Judy’s Creek and the MCT lot will remain accessible.

Motorists are advised to expect significant delays and are encouraged to use alternative routes.

“The safety of our residents remains our utmost concern, and we will continue to adapt the Emergency Response Plan throughout to ensure uninterrupted services for those in need,” Whitaker said.

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