Champaign, IL (May 27, 2026) – A construction worker was killed on Wednesday morning after being struck by a pickup truck pulling a trailer along Interstate 74 eastbound near milepost 179.
Illinois State Police were called to the highway at 3:35 a.m. on May 27, during work taking place on an Interstate 57/74 interchange reconstruction in Champaign County. The worker was identified as 65-year-old Steven A. Cornett of Danville. He was pronounced dead at the roadside.
The pickup truck involved was pulling a trailer when it struck the worker inside an active work zone. All lanes that had been closed reopened later in the morning. The investigation into the accident continues as the Illinois State Police review the events leading up to the deadly collision. We extend our condolences to the worker’s family and loved ones.
Why Work Zone Safety Matters on High-Speed Highways
High-speed highways can become hazardous when construction activity is underway, especially when crews and heavy equipment are present near active travel lanes. Drivers may have limited time to react when passing through areas where workers are present.
Reduced spacing between vehicles and changing traffic patterns can also increase the risk of dangerous interactions. In many cases, work zones are set up to guide traffic safely around ongoing projects, but sudden movements or distractions can still create serious outcomes. Roadside visibility, lighting conditions, and speed differences between vehicles all contribute to the level of risk.
Large commercial trucks pulling trailers may require longer stopping distances, which can add further complexity in active highway environments. Safety planning and careful driving behavior are often emphasized to help reduce hazards in these areas.
