Reminder: I-80 reconstruction is moving forward, and work zones can shift quickly.
Please expect changing traffic patterns, temporary lane closures, and periodic overnight ramp closures. Give yourself extra time and stay alert when traveling through the area.
I-55 Overnight Closures at I-80 – Sept. 9 & 10
Overnight closures are needed to safely install new steel beams for the I-80 bridges over I-55.
Here’s what you need to know:
Wednesday night, Sept. 9: Northbound I-55 will be CLOSED at I-80 from midnight to 5 a.m.
Thursday night, Sept. 10: Southbound I-55 will be CLOSED at I-80 from midnight to 5 a.m.
Before each full closure: Lane reductions begin at 8 p.m. on westbound I-80 and at 9 p.m. on I-55, so expect delays throughout the interchange.
All lanes and ramps will open by 6 a.m.
Detours will be posted. If you’re traveling through the area overnight, allow extra time and pay close attention to signs.
Tuesday, September 1
Chicago St Interchange Ramps to Close Sept 8
Beginning September 8, all ramps at the I-80/Chicago Street interchange will close except eastbound I-80 exit to Chicago Street.
Traffic will be detoured to Larkin Avenue interchange and Richards Street interchange through Fall 2028.
With the new Des Plaines River Bridge taking shape, crews need to connect it to the Chicago Street interchange and construct the roadway and ramps that will link the entire system together.
June 30, 2026
I-80/I-55 interchange ramp changes begin July 1
Weather permitting, drivers will see changes at the I-80/I-55 interchange:
OPENING JULY 1
Eastbound I-80 exit to Northbound I-55
CLOSING JULY 7
Northbound I-55 to Westbound I-80
Detour: exit at IL 59 then head back south on I-55 to WB I-80
Westbound I-80 to Southbound I-55
Detour: exit at Ridge Rd, then head back east on I-80 to SB I-55
Reminder: Southbound I-55 to Eastbound I-80 will remain closed through Fall 2026.
Signed detours will be in place for all closures. These ramp changes are needed as crews continue rebuilding the I-80 bridges over I-55 and modernizing the interchange.
April 23, 2026
Ramp closures at I-80 & Chicago Street interchange in Joliet through 2028
Starting Friday night, April 24, multiple ramps will close at Chicago Street so crews can safely rebuild this key interchange.
▶️ View the video below for detour routes and plan your trip.
Watch for new traffic signals! We’ve reconfigured I-80 ramps to maintain access:
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Both directions of traffic on Chicago St can get to westbound I-80
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Eastbound I-80 can exit to Chicago St and turn either northbound or southbound
Ramps will remain closed through 2028.
Here’s what’s happening: this stretch of I-80 — from Center Street to Chicago Street — includes the Des Plaines River bridge, which is being rebuilt on a new alignment. Because everything is connected, the interchanges need to be rebuilt at the same time to tie into the new bridge.
Thanks for your patience as we move this work forward.
December 16, 2025
Ramp closures at I-80 & Center St interchange through 2028
Major improvements coming to Center Street interchange! Starting after the evening rush on Monday, Dec 22, the I-80 interchange ramps at Center St/Meadow Ave will close as crews begin reconstruction of the interchange. Center St/Meadow Ave over I-80 between Wheeler Ave and Morgan St will close as well.
➡️ Detours will be posted using U.S. 6, Larkin Ave (IL 7), and Jefferson St (U.S. 52).
➡️ The ramp from eastbound Meadow Ave to EB I-80 will remain open.
Detour maps:
Eastbound I-80 to Northbound Center Street Detour Route
Westbound I-80 to Center Street Detour Route
Southbound Center Street to West-and-Eastbound I-80 Detour Routes
Northbound and Southbound Center Street Detour Routes
The ramps to and from the interstate and Center St/Meadow Ave over the interstate are anticipated to reopen in late 2028. When complete, the interchange will provide safer, more efficient travel for years to come.
Please plan ahead, allow extra time, and use caution in work zones.
March 17, 2025
I-55 and I-80 long-term ramp closures
Long-term ramp closures at the I-55 and I-80 interchange are in place.
CLOSED: Southbound I-55 to eastbound I-80 ramp is closed and anticipated to reopen fall 2026.
CLOSED: Northbound I-55 to westbound I-80 ramp is closed and is anticipated to reopen fall 2025.
Follow posted detours.
View Southbound I-55 to Eastbound I-80 Detour Map
View Northbound I-55 to Westbound I-80 Detour Map
March 28, 2024
12 miles of I-80 under construction, traffic shifts through 2026
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.