Bishop Ford: 159^th Street bridge rehab, outbound lane changes begin this week

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that as part of the ongoing rehabilitation and modernization of the Bishop Ford Freeway (Interstate 94) from west of Martin Luther King Drive to 159^th Street (U.S. 6), work will begin on the 159^th Street bridge over the interstate, weather permitting, Tuesday, Oct. 6. Also, the split-lane configuration of the outbound lanes is scheduled to be removed later this week.

Starting Tuesday through late 2027, 159^th Street will be reduced from two lanes to one in each direction between Woodland Avenue and Van Dam Road to accommodate rehabilitation of the bridge. The public also should expect various lane shifts on both sides of 159^th Street approaching the bridge and occasional overnight lane closures on the Bishop Ford during construction. The eastbound 159^th Street ramp to the inbound Ford also will be closed. A detour will use Torrence Avenue (Illinois 83) and Sibley Boulevard (Illinois 83) to access the inbound interstate.

Additionally, starting at 10 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, overnight lane closures are scheduled to take place on the outbound Bishop Ford between Dolton Avenue and 159^th Street to facilitate a stage change. At least one outbound lane will remain open. By 6 a.m. Thursday, the lanes that were closed overnight will reopen and the new configuration will be in place. In the new pattern, there will continue to be at least two outbound lanes and the current lane-split configuration between Michigan City Road and 159^th Street will be removed.

All schedules are subject to change due to multiple factors, including weather. Any updates will be shared with the public as far in advance as possible.

Heavy congestion is anticipated. Drivers heading eastbound should consider alternative routes to avoid the area. As the Bishop Ford reconstruction continues, the public should continue to expect lane shifts, overnight lane closures and significant 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 be on the alert for workers and equipment.

Construction on the outbound lanes is anticipated to continue through December, when the Bishop Ford returns to three lanes in both directions. Work will resume next spring on the inbound side, with the project wrapping up in late 2027.

For more information, visit https://idot.click/Bishop-Ford, which features project information, photos and the ability to submit questions and comments to the project team. Find traffic and road conditions at www.gettingaroundillinois.com. You also can follow IDOT on Facebook and X.

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