Illinois Department of Transportation Announces Lane and Ramp Closures for I-80 Bridge Deck Patching in Joliet

Facebook posts warning drives of tire-ruining potholes on the I-80 bridge in Joliet are a common sight on the Facebook feed of Will County residents.  The condition of the bridge's pavement will necessitate road construction this summer. 

On July 14, 2020, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced that starting Friday, July 17, 2020 weekend land and ramp closures will take place to allow for bridge deck patching and joint repairs on the I-80 bridge over the Des Plaines River in Joliet.

The work is scheduled to take place from 10:00 p.m. Friday to 5:00 a.m. Monday over eight consecutive weekends, with the exception of Labor Day.

IDOT stated: "The first stage of the project will require lane closures on both sides of I-80 from Center Street to Rowell Avenue. At least one lane in both directions will remain open at all times.  In addition, work will get underway in August on the following ramps; Chicago Street (U.S. 52/Illinois 53) to eastbound I-80, Richards Street to westbound I-80, and westbound I-80 to Chicago Street. During that time, ramps will be closed, and detours will be posted."

In terms of the larger project to build a new I-80 bridge over the Des Plaines River in Joliet, IDOT stated: "The eventual replacement of the Des Plaines River bridges and larger improvements to I-80 in Will County are a cornerstone project in Gov. JB Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois capital program, which will invest $33.2 billion in transportation infrastructure across all modes throughout the state. The estimated $1.2 billion project is included in IDOT’s current multi-year plan, with construction tentative to begin in three years.
The project will reconstruct 16 miles of I-80, 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, as well as improving interchanges at I-55, Illinois 7, Center Street, U.S. 52/Illinois 53, Richards Street and Briggs Street.



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