Closures on I-80 in Joliet over two extended weekends

Major travel delays are anticipated – alternative routes are strongly encouraged

The Illinois Department of Transportation is reminding the public that deck patching and repairs to the Interstate 80 bridges, between Raynor Avenue and Richards Street, in Joliet, will require ramp and lane closures over two extended weekends beginning, weather permitting, Friday, Oct. 6.

Starting at 10 p.m. Friday, lane closures will take place on westbound I-80, between Raynor Avenue and Richards Street. The ramp from Chicago Street (U.S.52/Illinois 53) to westbound I-80 also will be closed. During that time, motorists should follow the posted detour to access the expressway. At least one westbound I-80 lane will remain open at all times and eastbound I-80 will not be impacted. Westbound I-80 motorists traveling through the region should consider alternative routes to avoid the area. Local streets are unable to accommodate heavy or wide trucks, so other interstate routes are encouraged. The ramp and all lanes are anticipated to reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 9.

Additionally, the westbound I-80 ramp to Richards Street is closed for reconstruction, with an anticipated reopening late summer 2024. Motorists should follow the posted detour.

To see the full project click on the picture below.

IDOT construction on I-80

An additional extended weekend closure will be required to complete repairs on eastbound I-80. Details and impacts to traffic will be shared in advance, closer to the closure date. The overall I-80 project will redesign and rebuild 16 miles from Ridge Road, in Minooka, to U.S. 30, in Joliet and New Lenox, while adding or extending auxiliary lanes to improve safety and reduce congestion. Interchanges will be rebuilt or improved at Interstate 55, Illinois 7, Center Street, Chicago Street, Richards Street and Briggs Street, with a new flyover ramp linking southbound I-55 to eastbound I-80 to improve traffic flow and safety. More than 30 bridges will be rehabilitated or replaced, including those over the Des Plaines River. The projected $1.3 billion project is anticipated to be substantially complete by the end of 2028, with miscellaneous work and bridge demolition extending into 2029.

For more information visit I80will.org.