TRAFFIC ALERTS

December 4, 2024

New I-80 Traffic Pattern between Ridge Rd and River Rd begins Dec. 9

Progress continues on I-80 between Ridge Road and River Road, with paving now completed on the eastbound lanes. To facilitate further work, a traffic shift is planned starting Monday night, Dec. 9.

What to Expect:

Eastbound traffic will be on the newly completed pavement starting Tuesday morning, Dec. 10.
Westbound traffic will shift onto the new pavement later this month.

The shifts are weather-permitting, as cold temperatures could impact the schedule.

This project is part of a larger effort to reconstruct 16 miles of I-80, enhancing safety, reducing congestion, and improving travel times.

November 21, 2024

I-80 Bridge Work Over Midland Avenue begins this week

Traffic shifts: Expect ongoing traffic shifts and overnight lane closures on both I-80 and Midland Avenue as bridge work is completed.

Noise alert: Crews will be working day and night to remove the existing bridges, which may generate noise. Demolition is expected to last approximately three weeks. IDOT appreciates your understanding as the demolition process is completed as quickly and efficiently as possible.

This project is part of IDOT’s larger plan to reconstruct 16 miles of I-80, enhancing safety, reducing congestion, and improving travel times.

The new bridges over Midland Avenue are expected to be complete in 2026.

View project flyer for more details.

November 8, 2024

River Road to Houbolt Road Reconstruction

West Frontage Road Reconstruction

The I-80 project from River Road to Houbolt Road is undergoing significant reconstruction, including a complete rebuild of the W Frontage Road between River Road and Houbolt Road. This multi-year project will improve traffic flow, enhance visibility, and increase safety with wider lanes, added shoulders, upgraded lighting, and improved drainage systems. Temporary traffic adjustments are in place, including lane width reductions, single-lane traffic, and temporary signals, which may result in longer wait times. The larger I-80 Reconstruction effort spans 16 miles and includes the rehabilitation or replacement of over 30 bridges, aiming to boost traffic safety and reduce congestion.

View the project notice for more details.

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.

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.