Chicago Street interchange at I-80 construction begins week of March 2
February 27, 2026
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that as part of ongoing efforts to rebuild Interstate 80 in Minooka, Joliet and New Lenox, construction on a new Chicago Street interchange (U.S. 52/Illinois 53) is scheduled to begin, weather permitting, the week of March 2. The start of the interchange’s reconstruction and the groundbreaking later this spring on the Des Plaines River bridges mark significant milestones for the $1.3 billion I-80 modernization, one of the cornerstone projects in Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic Rebuild Illinois capital program.
“We appreciate your continued patience as we enter the final stages of delivering a more modern, safer I-80,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “The new Chicago Street interchange promises to be a vast improvement locally as well as for one of the state’s critical freight corridors. As always, when you approach any work zone, please slow down and give workers plenty of room to do their jobs.”
A gateway into downtown Joliet, the interchange is the last of six to be rebuilt along the project corridor. The work will be carried out in several stages but initially will require lane closures in both directions of Chicago Street between McDonough Street (U.S. 6/52) and Doris Avenue.
At least one lane in both directions will remain open for approximately one month while temporary pavement and other site needs are completed to accommodate traffic during the interchange’s reconstruction. Once the temporary pavement is complete, Chicago Street will return to two lanes in both directions while the interchange is rebuilt, with various lane shifts and occasional closures until the project is finished.
Starting in late March or early April, the following ramps will close:
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Westbound I-80 to northbound and southbound Chicago Street. The ramp is anticipated to reopen in 2028. A detour will direct traffic westbound on I-80 to the Larkin Avenue (Illinois 7) exit and entrance ramps to access Chicago Street via eastbound I-80.
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Chicago Street northbound and southbound to eastbound I-80. The ramp is anticipated to reopen in 2028. A detour will direct traffic westbound on I-80 to the Larkin Avenue exit and entrance ramps to access eastbound I-80.
Additional ramp and lane closures for varying durations will be required at times. Schedules and impacts to traffic will be shared approaching the closure dates.
Likewise, pending final contract awards, construction is expected to begin later this spring on the Des Plaines River bridges, resulting in a reduction of I-80 to two lanes in both directions between Richards and Center streets with various impacts on nearby local streets. The new bridges will be built just north of the existing structures. Once completed, traffic will be shifted to the new bridges, westbound in early 2028 and eastbound by the end of 2028.
Since the overall I-80 project broke ground, the following elements have been finished: Bridges over I-80 at Shepley Road, River Road, Wheeler Avenue and Briggs Street to accommodate the wider interstate. New mainline pavement between Ridge Road to River Road was completed late last year. The Richards Street interchange and bridge over Hickory Creek also wrapped up in 2025. Bridges carrying I-80 over Hickory Creek, Richards Street and Rowell Avenue/Canadian National railroad were finished in 2024.
Extensive work will be completed by the end of this year along the corridor, including 12 miles from Ridge Road to Larkin Avenue and from Richards Street to U.S. 30. Newly rebuilt interchanges at I-55, Larkin Avenue and Briggs Street will be complete, including a new flyover ramp carrying southbound I-55 to eastbound I-80 and a third lane in each direction opening from Ridge Road to Larkin Avenue and from Richards Street to U.S. 30.
Most interchange ramps at Center Street/Meadow Avenue and Center Street over I-80 between Wheeler Avenue and Morgan Street were closed last year for reconstruction, with an anticipated reopening in late 2028. Detours are posted. The interchange ramp from eastbound Meadow Avenue to eastbound I-80 remains open but scheduled to close for reconstruction in late 2027.
As the I-80 project continues, the public should continue to expect lane shifts, overnight lane closures and significant delays, allowing extra time for trips through the area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and stay alert for workers and equipment.
The overall I-80 project is redesigning and rebuilding 16 miles from Ridge Road in Minooka to U.S. 30 in Joliet and New Lenox. Rebuilt and improved interchanges are planned for I-55, Larkin Avenue, Center Street, Chicago Street, Richards Street and Briggs Street, with a new flyover ramp linking southbound I-55 to eastbound I-80 to improve traffic flow and safety.
More than 30 bridges will be rehabilitated or replaced, including those over the Des Plaines River. The project is anticipated to be complete by the end of 2028, with landscaping, bridge demolition and miscellaneous work extending into 2029.
Paving the Way on I-80
December 12December, 2025
The transformation of I-80 is taking shape! In August 2025, crews paved the new third lane of concrete pavement on westbound I-80 between Richards Street and U.S. 30.
Adding a third lane in each direction is one of the most significant improvements of the I-80 project. These additional lanes will help reduce congestion, improve traffic flow, and enhance safety.
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Beginning in 2026, drivers will start to experience the benefits of the new third lane on I-80. Sections of the interstate will open to three lanes in each direction next year, with additional sections opening in phases as construction advances. This phased approach ensures the improvements are delivered as quickly and safely as possible while construction continues along the corridor.
Even More Progress
The reconstructed Larkin Avenue interchange is open. The loop ramps were removed, replaced with new, direct ramps from I-80 to northbound and southbound Larkin Avenue.
The Richards Street interchange is also open. Richards Street was rebuilt between Colburn and Fifth avenues, new noise barrier walls were installed and the bridge over Hickory Creek was fully rehabilitated.
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What’s Next on I-80?
By year’s end, 7 miles of I-80 will be complete. A smoother ride is ahead between Ridge Road in Minooka and River Road in Shorewood, and between Richards St in Joliet and US 30 in New Lenox.
And in spring 2026, reconstruction of the interchange at Center Street will be underway, followed by the Chicago Street interchange.
The I-80 reconstruction is designed to create a safe, reliable interstate that supports local communities, businesses, and economic growth for decades to come. Each step of progress brings us closer to delivering 16 miles of safer, more efficient interstate for the region.
I-80 Progress Update:
October 18, 2024
We’re excited to share that the project has hit another milestone! We completed paving three new lanes of a 2.8-mile section between Ridge Road and River Road.
Here’s a look at the hard work that went into it:
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2,120 truckloads of concrete
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136,200 pounds of steel reinforcement placed by hand
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13,500 tons of asphalt placed as a stabilized subbase under the pavement
We’re making steady progress as part of the larger plan to reconstruct 16 miles of I-80, and there’s more to come!
Closures on I-80 in Joliet over four consecutive weekends
Major travel delays are anticipated – alternative routes are strongly encouraged
September 13, 2024
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that bridge deck repairs and pavement patching on Interstate 80, between Houbolt Road and Richards Street, in Joliet, will require ramp and lane closures over four consecutive weekends beginning, weather permitting, Friday, Sept. 13.
Starting at 10 p.m. Friday, lane closures will take place on westbound I-80, between Raynor Avenue and Houbolt Road. The ramps from northbound Chicago Street (U.S.52/Illinois 53) to westbound I-80 and from westbound I-80 to Chicago Street also will be closed. During that time, motorists should follow the posted detour to access the interstate. At least one westbound I-80 lane will remain open at all times and eastbound I-80 will not be impacted. Westbound I-80 motorists traveling through the region should consider alternative routes to avoid the area. Local streets are unable to accommodate heavy or wide trucks, so other interstate routes are encouraged. All ramps and lanes are anticipated to reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Sept. 16.
To complete the work, additional weekend lane and ramp closures are scheduled to take place, from 10 p.m. Fridays to 5 a.m. Mondays, on westbound and eastbound I-80 for approximately three additional weekends, weather permitting. Details and impacts to traffic will be shared in advance, closer to the closure dates.
The work consists of bridge deck repairs and pavement patching to keep the structures in acceptable condition while the larger I-80 corridor improvement are under construction. By scheduling the work over multiple weekends, the unplanned, emergency closures that have occurred with increasing frequency in recent years can be minimized. Also, by planning the repairs, they can be performed more safely and allow motorists the opportunity to plan ahead and use alternative routes to avoid the area when feasible.
As the I-80 reconstruction continues, the public should continue to expect lane shifts, overnight lane closures and significant delays and to allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and be on the alert for workers and equipment.
The overall I-80 project will redesign and rebuild 16 miles from Ridge Road, in Minooka, to U.S. 30, in Joliet and New Lenox, while adding or extending auxiliary lanes to improve safety and reduce congestion. Interchanges will be rebuilt or improved at Interstate 55, Illinois 7, Center Street, Chicago Street, Richards Street and Briggs Street, with a new flyover ramp linking southbound I-55 to eastbound I-80 to improve traffic flow and safety. More than 30 bridges will be rehabilitated or replaced, including those over the Des Plaines River. The projected $1.3 billion project is anticipated to be substantially complete by the end of 2028, with landscaping, bridge demolition and miscellaneous work extending into 2029.
Construction: Overnight lane closures on I-80 at Wheeler Avenue begin July 18
July 18, 2024
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that as part of ongoing efforts to replace the bridge carrying Wheeler Avenue over Interstate 80, in Joliet, overnight lane closures, accompanied by 15-minute full expressway traffic stops, are scheduled to take place beginning, weather permitting, Tuesday, July 18. The closures are necessary to safely remove the existing Wheeler Avenue bridge over the expressway.
To complete the work, motorists should expect various overnight lane closures in both directions of I-80 near Wheeler Avenue. The closures are scheduled to take place from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, from 10 p.m. Friday to 8 a.m. Saturday and from 9 p.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Sunday, with full stops for no longer than 15 minutes at a time starting at 1 a.m. each night. The work is anticipated to be completed by 5 a.m. Friday, July 28.
The $5.7 million project will replace the existing bridge with a new structure that will accommodate the widening of I-80. New storm sewers and ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps also will be installed. The project is anticipated to be completed in December.
Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and be on the alert for workers and equipment.
The overall I-80 improvement project will redesign and rebuild 16 miles from Ridge Road, in Minooka, to U.S. 30, in Joliet and New Lenox, while adding or extending auxiliary lanes to improve safety and reduce congestion. Interchanges will be rebuilt or improved at Interstate 55, Illinois 7, Center Street, Chicago Street, Richards Street and Briggs Street, with a new flyover ramp linking southbound I-55 to eastbound I-80 to improve traffic flow and safety. More than 30 bridges will be rehabilitated or replaced, including those over the Des Plaines River.
Overnight lane closures on I-80 at River Road begin May 8
May 8, 2024
Ongoing work to replace the bridge carrying River Road over I-80, in Shorewood, will require closures on I-80 over four nights beginning, weather permitting, Wednesday, May 8. The closures are necessary to install steel support beams for the new bridge over the interstate.
Wednesday, May 8 and Thursday, May 9
Eastbound I-80
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8 p.m. – eastbound I-80 reduced to one lane approaching River Road
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1 a.m.- 5 a.m. – full traffic stops for up to 15 minutes at a time
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5 a.m. – all lanes reopened
Monday, May 13 and Tuesday, May 14
Eastbound I-80
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8 p.m. – eastbound I-80 reduced to one lane approaching River Road
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1 a.m. - 5 a.m. – full traffic stops for up to 15 minutes at a time
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5 a.m. – all lanes reopened
Westbound I-80
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9 p.m. – westbound I-80 reduced to one lane approaching River Road
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1 a.m. - 5 a.m. – full traffic stops for up to 15 minutes at a time
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6 a.m. – all lanes reopened
Rebuilding I-80: Mainline construction begins April 1
March 29, 2024
The Illinois Department of Transportation is reminding the public that as part of ongoing efforts to rebuild Interstate 80, work will begin on the mainline lanes, weather permitting, Monday, April 1, signaling an important milestone for the project.. View the article.
Weekend lane closures on eastbound I-80
March 25, 2024
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that emergency repairs and pavement patching on eastbound Interstate 80 in Joliet will require lane closures beginning tonight, March 25. Major travel delays are anticipated, and alternative routes are encouraged.
Starting at 10 p.m. tomorrow, lane closures will take place on eastbound I-80 between Wheeler Avenue and Briggs Street. Additionally, the entrance ramp from Chicago Street (U.S.52/Illinois 53) to eastbound I-80 will be closed. During that time, a detour will direct motorists to U.S. 52 and Richards Street to access the expressway. At least one eastbound lane will remain open at all times and westbound I-80 will not be impacted. The ramp and all lanes are anticipated to reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, March 28.
Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and be on the alert for workers and equipment.
Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and be on the alert for workers and equipment.
2023
Pritzker in Joliet promotes I-80 rebuild progress, Houbolt Road interchange
November 2, 2023
State and local leaders in Will County celebrated the re-opening of the “supercool” Houbolt Road interchange and other milestones achieved in the ongoing overhaul of Interstate 80, considered the second longest freeway in the nation. View the article.
A Key Milestone Reached On $1.3 Billion I-80 Corridor Project
November 2, 2023
Local officials and community leaders joined Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) on Wednesday to announce several important milestones on the $1.3 billion overhaul of Interstate 80, setting up one of the cornerstone projects in the governor’s Rebuild Illinois capital program to be almost fully under construction in the spring. View the article.
Gov. Pritzker Announces Key Milestones Reached on $1.3B I-80 Corridor Project
November 1, 2023
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) were joined today by local officials and community leaders to celebrate several important milestones on the $1.3 billion overhaul of Interstate 80, setting up one of the cornerstone projects in the governor's Rebuild Illinois capital program to be almost fully under construction in the spring. View the article.
2022
$1.2 Billion, 6-Year Corridor Improvement Project Announced for I-80 Will County
October 17, 2022
Come 2028, the 50-year-old Interstate 80 corridor in Joliet and Will County will be transformed into a modern, safe roadway that motorists can depend on following completion of a massive $1.2 billion reconstruction project. View the article.
Website launched to keep public informed on I-80
September 27, 2022
The Illinois Department of Transportation has launched a new website, I80will.org, to provide the public with the latest information on the $1.2 billion reconstruction of Interstate 80 through Will County, one of the cornerstone projects of Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. View the article.
I-80 in Joliet extended weekend ramp, lane closures continue
September 26, 2022
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that bridge deck patching and repairs to Interstate 80 between Raynor Avenue and Gardner Street, in Joliet, will require ramp and lane closures over multiple extended weekends. This is the fourth of eight planned weekend closures along the corridor. View the article.
Gov. Pritzker Advances Vision to Rebuild I-80
January 20, 2022
Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) were joined by local officials today to announce the next phase of construction on the new Houbolt Road bridge and interchange, a critical piece of the governor's $1.2 billion commitment to improve and modernize I-80. View the article.
2021
Illinois Lays Out Timeline for I-80 Project
October 19, 2021
After preliminary work that began in 2021, reconstruction of a 16-mile stretch from Ridge Road in Minooka east to U.S. 30 near Joliet will begin this year with work from Ridge Road east to the DuPage River. View the article.
IDOT Engineer Discusses I-80 Project Plan
October 21, 2021
Illinois Department of Transportation Engineer John Baczek discusses the timeline and cost of the six-year plan to rebuild I-80 along a 16 mile stretch from Ridge Road in Minooka to U.S. 30 in New Lenox. View the article.