Budzinski Requests Solution to Dangerous O’Fallon Interstate Exit Following Viral TikTok

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) sent a letter to Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Secretary Omer Osman requesting IDOT’s assistance with a persistent safety issue at an O’Fallon, Illinois interstate exit. A video of the regular traffic backups at Exit 16 on I-64 Westbound in Illinois recently went viral on TikTok, garnering more than 40.7 million views. 

“Today, I asked the Illinois Department of Transportation to help us address chronic traffic backups at Exit 16 on I-64 Westbound in O’Fallon. The confusion and congestion at this interchange creates a dangerous situation for local drivers and impedes the flow of traffic. I’m grateful to the local resident who shared their experience with this exit on TikTok and I look forward to working toward a solution that eases traffic and improves safety.” 

The full text of Congresswoman Budzinski’s letter can be found here and below:

September 12, 2024

The Honorable Omer Osman 

Secretary 

Illinois Department of Transportation

2300 S. Dirksen Parkway

Springfield, IL  62764

Secretary Osman, 

Thank you for your leadership in developing the Rebuild Illinois infrastructure plan and coordination in implementing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – once-in-a-generation investments in the safety and rehabilitation of our nation’s infrastructure. These historic initiatives unlock tremendous potential for communities across the country to upgrade and repair hundreds of miles of roads, highways and bridges. 

I am writing today to urge the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to expedite the planning and implementation of a solution to a chronic issue at Exit 16 on I-64 Westbound in Illinois, the offramp to O’Fallon and Shiloh, Illinois. The issue was recently captured in a viral social media video posted online, in which traffic at the intersection at the end of the exit ramp – specifically in the right-hand turn lane toward O’Fallon – is so backed up that it is spilling onto the interstate.  

As you know, unexpected standstill traffic on the interstate is a massive threat to motorists’ safety. Additionally, the traffic also poses a safety risk for motorists who are looking to turn left at the intersection toward Shiloh, as they are forced to navigate the standstill traffic on the exit ramp to their right.

I understand that IDOT has plans in place to expand I-64 in O’Fallon between Green Mount Road and IL Route 158, which would also improve the Exit 16 interchange and thus mitigate this hazard.  I urge IDOT to implement this expansion project as soon as possible so that we can ensure the safety of the thousands of Southern Illinoisans and others who utilize I-64 and the Exit 16 offramp every day. 

Thank you again for the work that you and IDOT staff do to improve our roadways and keep Illinoisans safe. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or my staff. 

Sincerely, 

###