TRAFFIC ALERTS

October 14, 2024

I-80 and Midland Ave traffic shifts, lane closures begin Oct. 21

Beginning the week of October 21, reconstruction of the I-80 bridges over Midland Avenue will require ongoing traffic shifts and overnight lane closures on both I-80 and Midland Avenue.

Crews will be working day and night to remove the existing bridges. Demolition is expected to last approximately three weeks. IDOT appreciates your understanding as the demolition process is completed as quickly and efficiently as possible.

The new bridges over Midland Avenue are anticipated to be completed in 2025. This project is part of a larger effort to reconstruct 16 miles of I-80, enhancing safety, reducing congestion, and improving travel times.

October 11, 2024

Richards St lane closures begin Oct. 14; ramp closures begin Oct. 21

Starting Monday, October 14, there will be lane closures on Richards Street, both north and south of I-80, as crews begin preliminary work to reconstruct the road between Colburn Avenue and 5th Avenue as well as the I-80 ramps.

Starting Monday, October 21:

Richards Street will be reduced to one lane in each direction.
The ramps between I-80 and Richards Street will be closed.
These closures are expected to continue through Fall 2025.

Detours:
Detours will be posted directing motorists to Chicago Street (US-52/IL-53) and Briggs Street to access I-80.

Additionally, there will be occasional overnight lane closures on I-80 at Richards Street during this time.

Expect Delays:
Please allow extra time for your trips through the area, especially during peak hours.

Stay alert, follow the posted signs, and watch for workers and equipment in the work zones. Your patience and caution help keep everyone safe.

This work is part of IDOT’s ongoing effort to improve 16 miles of I-80, which will enhance safety, reduce congestion, and improve travel times.

Thank you for your understanding as we work to make these important improvements!

March 28, 2024

I-80 mainline construction, new traffic patterns begin April 1

Beginning Monday, April 1, weather permitting, I-80 mainline work will begin. The new phase will rebuild and widen nearly 12 miles, as part of the overall $1.3 billion reconstruction of the interstate through Will County, a project made possible by Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program.

A work zone has been established between Ridge Road and Wheeler Avenue with traffic shifted to allow reconstruction of the interstate.

Two lanes in each direction of I-80 will continue to remain during the project, but the public should anticipate narrowed lanes and closed shoulders throughout the entire 12-mile work zone.

Expect delays and allow extra time for trips. Be prepared for slow and stopped traffic. To avoid the work area, when feasible, use of alternate routes and off-peak trips should be considered. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment.

December 11, 2023

River Road bridge over I-80 closed through Fall 2024

The River Road bridge over I-80 closed on Monday, December 11. The $6.3 million project will replace the existing bridge with a new wider structure. The project is anticipated to be completed in fall 2024.

A posted detour will direct motorists to Mound (215th Street), County Line and Shepley roads. Motorists should also expect occasional overnight lane closures on I-80 at the bridge during this time. View detour map.

June 9, 2023

Briggs Street over I-80 reduced to one lane through late 2024

Beginning Monday, June 19, weather permitting, construction will begin on the bridge carrying Briggs Street over I-80 in Joliet. The project is part of advance work leading to the $1.2 billion reconstruction of I-80 through Will County.

Briggs Street will remain one lane in each direction, with lane widths reduced to 11 feet and no shoulders over the bridge. Motorists should also expect shoulder and occasional overnight lane closures on I-80 at the bridge during that time.

The project, which involves replacing the existing bridge with a new structure to accommodate the widening of I-80, is anticipated to be completed in late 2024.