Chicago Street interchange at I-80 construction begins week of March 2
February 27, 2026
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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 12, 2025
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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.
December 30, 2024
Building the Future: Progress on
the I-80 Will Corridor Modernization
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The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is celebrating a landmark year in its $1.3 billion effort to modernize 16 miles of Interstate I-80, stretching from Ridge Road in Minooka to U.S. 30 in Joliet and New Lenox. In 2024, the project reached significant milestones, including completion of six overpasses and bridges and making significant progress on reconstructing 12 miles of I-80.
2024: A Year of Progress
This year marked significant achievements with completion of six overpasses and bridges:
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Overpass at Wheeler Avenue: The overpass was rebuilt and widened to prepare for the future widened interstate.
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Overpasses at River Road & Briggs Street: The rebuilt overpasses include a multi-use path and sidewalks, improving connections for both vehicles and pedestrians.
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Bridges at Hickory Creek, Richards Street, Rowell Avenue/Canadian National Railroad: The bridges were widened and rehabilitated to accommodate the future widened interstate.
Beyond bridges, substantial progress was made on mainline reconstruction, with 12 miles of reconstruction initiated in Spring 2024.
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12 Miles of I-80 Under Construction: Major reconstruction efforts are underway to rebuild and widen nearly 12 miles of the interstate. The work includes five active contracts scheduled for completion in Fall 2025 and Fall 2026.
Work in Joliet: Transforming Key Connections
Two major projects in Joliet are modernizing critical interchanges and bridges, improving safety, traffic flow, and community connectivity.
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Richards Street Interchange and Bridge: Reconstruction of the interchange and bridge over Hickory Creek, set for completion in late 2025.
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Midland Avenue Bridges: Rebuilding to accommodate planned widening of the interstate, with completion expected in 2026.​​
2024 By the Numbers
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6 overpasses and bridges rebuilt
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2.8 miles of eastbound I-80 paved
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12 miles of interstate reconstruction underway
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2 bridge upgrades in Joliet underway
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1 interchange upgrade in Joliet in progress
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2,300 feet of noise walls installed
Looking Ahead
In 2025, construction will kick off on two major interchanges: the I-55 interchange and the Larkin Avenue interchange, marking another step forward in the I-80 corridor transformation.
The final stage of the project, slated to begin in 2026, will focus on the reconstruction of the Center Street and Chicago Street interchanges, as well as replacement of the I-80 bridges over the Des Plaines River. Substantial completion of the Des Plaines River bridges is targeted for the end of 2028, with landscaping and bridge demolition continuing into 2029.
A Project for Illinois’ Future
This transformative investment reflects IDOT’s commitment to building infrastructure that meets the demands of the 21st century. The corridor will gain additional lanes to reduce congestion, and major interchanges are being upgraded for more efficient, safer travel. More than 30 bridges, including the Des Plaines River bridge, will also be replaced or rehabilitated.
Key milestones reached prior to 2024, such as the Houbolt Road extension, U.S. 30 interchange improvements, and Shepley Road bridge replacement, paved the way for ongoing progress.