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JEFFERSON COUNTY — Drivers have been detouring around the southbound Interstate 57 exit at Dix for months as the Illinois Department of Transportation replaced the overpass structure and wound traffic through a twisting two-lane construction zone.

But on Tuesday, the southbound exit reopened and the lanes of traffic were returned to their proper sides of the interstate.

A $16.2 million replacement of the I-57 bridges at the Dix interchange [exit 103] and the Norfolk Southern railroad began in March with the southbound span.

IDOT says the northbound bridges will be replaced in 2023.