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Last updated 5:52 pm CT November 20, 2009.
Veteran's Memorial Drive In Full Gear
Tuesday Governor Quinn was in Mt. Vernon to help cut the ribbon.
It's been almost 2 years and 15 million dollars but the work is almost done.
You can see the barriers behind me.
The road isn't open but construction of the overpass is complete.
It won't be long before the road and the on and off ramp onto I-57 are open.
The wet weather didn't stop the celebration as Governor Pat Quinn was joined by several city, county and state officials for the ribbon cutting.
The new interchange will ease congestion in town, but it will also open up 600 acres for future economic development.
Mt. Vernon Mayor Mary-Jane Chesley says, "The interchange opens up opportunities for not only Mt. Vernon but Jefferson county the state of Illinois and the southern illinois region."
IL Gov. Pat Quinn says, "I think a key part of growing our state economy is good transportation and this interchange is going to help with economic development."
Some businesses have already taken advantage of the new interchange.
These two medical offices behind me are both new the mayor says that further down this road is a proposed site for a new hospital.
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