Farmers Weekly Review

By Nick Reiher

State officials announced the $93.5 million project to reconstruct a new interchange at Interstate 55 and Illinois 59 is open for traffic, with other corridor improvements nearing completion.

But some motorists using the new interchange have been frustrated with long backups due to improperly timed traffic signals and only one of two ramp lanes open.

Located between Joliet and Shorewood, the project is converting an interchange with partial access between I-55 and Illinois 59 to accommodate full access in a diverging-diamond design to enhance traffic flow and safety throughout the area.

The interchange was open Monday, Oct. 7, with at least one lane on each ramp and signals activated. Illinois 59 will continue to be reduced to one lane in each direction approaching Seil Road through late October, when additional lanes on the ramps also will open and the project substantially completed, state officials said.

Commenting on Farmers Weekly Review’s Facebook page announcing the opening, motorists wondered why state officials didn’t wait just a few more weeks to have all lanes open and problems worked out before opening partially.

An IDOT spokeswoman has not yet responded to Farmers Weekly Review’s query on those issues. Meanwhile, officials at the opening on October 7 were excited about its prospects for safety and business expansion.

“The new interchange with Illinois 59 combined with other improvements to I-55 will greatly improve the flow of people, goods and commerce through the region while setting the stage for more jobs and economic development,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “This project is a long-term investment that makes Will County an even better place to work, play, grow your business and raise a family.”

Prior to rebuilding the interchange, only northbound I-55 could exit to northbound Illinois 59 and from southbound Illinois 59 to southbound I-55. With the ramps opening, both directions of I-55 can access both directions of Illinois 59 and vice versa.

Additionally, East Frontage Road was relocated and reconstructed, providing necessary distance from the interchange, with auxiliary lanes added to I-55 between Illinois 59 and U.S. 52, improving safety, boosting efficiency and reducing conflict points by better accommodating vehicles entering and leaving the interstate.

While the work zone remains in place until construction wraps up, the public should continue to anticipate delays and 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 remain alert for workers and equipment.

Other components: The Illinois 59 intersection with Seil Road was improved and modernized as well as new sidewalks and connections to the existing local system of trails, including improved pedestrian and bicycle access across I-55. New lighting, modernized traffic signals, and noise and retaining walls were built along I-55.

As construction winds down, work continues on the multiuse path, installation of a new traffic signal at Illinois 59 and Seil Road, landscaping and other miscellaneous items into early 2025.

State and local officials say the new interchange will benefit planned developments in the area, including the mixed-used RockRun Collection that is projected to account for $1.4 billion in economic impact and produce $53 million in state and local tax revenue.

The annual benefits once the improvements are finished are estimated at $181 million in economic impact and $72 million in state and local tax revenue.

“Today was a day for celebration as this important portion of Interstate 55 at Illinois 59 Access Project is now complete and the potential is further realized for our high-traffic, high-visibility super-regional destination,” said Diane Cullinan Oberhelman, chair of Cullinan Properties.

“We commend the state officials, IDOT, city of Joliet and all who worked tirelessly to complete this leg of the project and with it improve access to Joliet and Shorewood.”

This project is an important new gateway to the city of Joliet’s future, said Joliet Mayor Terry D’Arcy.

“Joliet is thriving and growing, as exemplified by what is happening here today. As the state’s third-largest city, I expect infrastructure improvements like this interchange and the full Interstate 55 at Illinois 59 Access Project will further our momentum.”

Shorewood Mayor Clarence “CC” DeBold was equally enthusiastic.

“I have been a longtime supporter of this interchange not just for the benefits to Shorewood, but for the improvements it will provide throughout the region,” he said. “This project will pay dividends with safety and traffic immediately and well into the future.”

The interchange is part of IDOT’s overall I-55 at Illinois 59 Access Project, fueled by Rebuild Illinois. Passed in 2019, Gov. Pritzker’s capital program is investing a total of $33.2 billion over six years into the statewide transportation system, creating jobs and promoting economic growth.

Rebuild Illinois, touted as the largest capital program in state history, touches all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, transit, waterways, freight and passenger rail, aviation, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

Accomplishments through Year Five of Rebuild Illinois include approximately $16 billion of improvements statewide on 6,541 miles of highway, 686 bridges and 986 additional safety improvements.

Visit https://idot.click/Rebuild-Illinois for information and highlights of other Rebuild Illinois projects happening throughout the state.

Nick Reiher is editor of Farmers Weekly Review.

A graphic courtesy of IDOT showing the reconstruction plan chosen for Interstate 59 and Illinois 55 following several local public hearings.