Shepley Road bridge over I-80 Reopens, River Road bridge to close
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced Friday that Shepley Road over Interstate 80, in Minooka, would reopen weather permitting, Friday, Dec. 8. The $4.3 million project, made possible by Gov. JB Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois capital program, is part of advance work leading to the $1.3 billion reconstruction of I-80 through Will County.
Work began earlier this spring to replace the bridge with a new wider structure that will accommodate the widening of I-80 under the bridge.
The River Road bridge over I-80 is scheduled to close by 9 a.m. Monday, Dec.11. The $6.3 million project will replace the existing bridge with a new wider structure. The project is anticipated to be completed in fall 2024.
A posted detour will direct motorists to Mound (215th Street), County Line and Shepley roads. Motorists should also expect occasional overnight lane closures on I-80 at the bridge during this time.
Motorists 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.
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 landscaping, bridge demolition and miscellaneous work extending into 2029.
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 Twitter.
