$100 Million Diverging Diamond Interchange Starts in Moline

An approximately $100 million project is underway to replace the 1970s cloverleaf interchange at John Deere Road and Interstate 74 in Moline, Illinois, with a diverging diamond. State of Illinois and City of Moline officials marked the project’s groundbreaking on October 9, 2026, following preparatory work earlier in the year.

The Quad-City Times reported on October 11, 2026, that construction is expected to take about two years. The roadway conversion includes a pedestrian and cyclist path and will occupy less space than the existing cloverleaf configuration.

Key Project Facts

• Project type: Conversion of an existing cloverleaf interchange to a diverging diamond.
• Location: John Deere Road, also identified as Illinois 5, and Interstate 74 in Moline, Illinois.
• Estimated value: Approximately $100 million.
• Funding: A combination of state and federal funds.
• Scope: New roadway traffic configuration and a path for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Stage: Construction underway; preparatory work began earlier in 2026.
• Groundbreaking: October 9, 2026.
• Expected duration: About two years.

Diverging Diamond Replaces a 1970s Cloverleaf

The Moline project changes the interchange’s operating configuration rather than simply renewing the existing cloverleaf. Michael Kuehn, program development engineer for the Illinois Department of Transportation District 2, identified the existing interchange as dating to the 1970s.

The new design moves traffic from the right side of the roadway to the left and then back again. This configuration allows left turns without crossing opposing traffic.

The reported scope includes:

• Replacement of the existing cloverleaf traffic pattern with a diverging diamond.
• A divided roadway and signage supporting the traffic transitions.
• A path accommodating pedestrians and cyclists.
• A smaller interchange footprint than the current cloverleaf design.

Two-Year Project Follows Earlier I-74 Corridor Work

The October 9, 2026, ceremony took place inside Vibrant Arena at The Mark in Moline. Preparatory work for the new traffic pattern had already started earlier in 2026.

Kuehn described the interchange as the remaining piece of a broader corridor improvement effort. Earlier work included reconstruction of the Interstate 74 bridge and completion of improvements up to the new project’s northern limits in the early 2020s.

John Deere Road has also been expanded and reconstructed over the last several years. Moline Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati described the interchange conversion as phase two of the Interstate 74 projects in Moline.

The approximately $100 million estimated cost is supported by state and federal funding. Kuehn said that funding includes revenue from the state motor fuel tax increase.

Construction Considerations: Roadway Transitions and Path Integration

For contractors evaluating the scope, the defining construction consideration is the conversion between two different interchange layouts. The diverging diamond’s crossover arrangement makes coordination of the roadway configuration, divided sections and signage particularly relevant.

The pedestrian and cyclist path is another element to account for alongside the vehicle circulation work. Its inclusion makes this a roadway-and-path project rather than a vehicle-only interchange conversion.

The smaller final footprint also distinguishes the replacement from the existing cloverleaf. Contractors and suppliers should evaluate their fit against the new configuration and its connections to the previously reconstructed corridor.

Construction Trades Involved

Early site-preparation work is already underway, with preparatory work for the new traffic pattern having started earlier in 2026.

Potentially available later-stage work could include:

• Electrical work associated with the interchange’s traffic-control systems.

This is a potential trade fit for the project type, not a statement that an electrical package is open for bidding or has been awarded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Moline diverging diamond project located?

The project is at John Deere Road, also identified as Illinois 5, and Interstate 74 in Moline, Illinois. It replaces an existing 1970s cloverleaf interchange.

How much is the interchange project expected to cost?

The estimated project cost is approximately $100 million, funded through a combination of state and federal sources.

When did work begin, and how long is construction expected to take?

Preparatory work began earlier in 2026, and officials held the groundbreaking ceremony on October 9, 2026. The project is expected to take about two years.

For highway contractors and suppliers, the Moline interchange is an active construction project centered on a roadway configuration change and an integrated pedestrian and cyclist path. Pursuit decisions should reflect its started status rather than treating the early civil scope as a new bidding opportunity.

Contractors, subcontractors and suppliers can follow projects like this one on DataBid. Start a free trial.