Drivers, Be Aware of Continuing Road Work
Commuters should be aware of major transportation projects that will have a significant impact on their travels in and around the Joliet area. These include:
Interstate 80: The Illinois Department of Transportation announced 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 that began September 13-16.
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 two 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 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 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.
For more information, visit I80will.org. The mobile-friendly website features project information, photos, and the ability to submit questions and comments to the project team via a “Contact” link. Find traffic and road conditions at www.gettingaroundillinois.com. You also can follow IDOT on Facebook and X.
Renwick/53: The Illinois Department of Transportation announced intersection improvements at Illinois 53 (Independence Boulevard) and Illinois 7 (Renwick Road), in Lockport, Crest Hill and Romeoville.
The $2.7 million project, which involves modifying the existing intersection to allow for an additional dedicated left turn lane on southbound Illinois 53, installing new modernized traffic signals, new guardrail and improved drainage, is anticipated to be completed late 2025.
Throughout construction at least one lane in both directions will be maintained on Illinois 53 and on Illinois 7.
The public can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Alternative routes are encouraged. 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.
Jackson Street Bridge: IDOT announced the Jackson Street bridge over the Des Plaines River, in Joliet, will close for approximately three weeks which began Monday, Sept. 16. The closure is necessary for electrical work and miscellaneous mechanical repairs on the bridge.
A detour will direct traffic to Scott Street (Illinois 53), Ruby Street (Illinois 53) and Broadway Street (Illinois 53). Eastbound motorists will also use Chicago (Illinois 53) and Ottawa streets to reconnect to Jackson Street.
The public 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.
This is in addition to the Cass Street Bridge reduced to one lane during renovations. The project is estimated to begin spring 2025 and is anticipated to be completed by fall 2025.
The City of Joliet Public Utilities Department announced lane closures will be present during construction on the Plainfield Road (Black Road – Theodore Street) Water Main project.