Chicago Street interchange at I-80 construction begins week of March 2

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that as part of ongoing efforts to rebuild Interstate 80 in Minooka, Joliet and New Lenox, construction on a new Chicago Street interchange (U.S. 52/Illinois 53) is scheduled to begin, weather permitting, the week of March 2. The start of the interchange’s reconstruction and the groundbreaking later this spring on the Des Plaines River bridges mark significant milestones for the $1.3 billion I-80 modernization, one of the cornerstone projects in Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic Rebuild Illinois capital program.

“We appreciate your continued patience as we enter the final stages of delivering a more modern, safer I-80,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “The new Chicago Street interchange promises to be a vast improvement locally as well as for one of the state’s critical freight corridors. As always, when you approach any work zone, please slow down and give workers plenty of room to do their jobs.”

A gateway into downtown Joliet, the interchange is the last of six to be rebuilt along the project corridor. The work will be carried out in several stages but initially will require lane closures in both directions of Chicago Street between McDonough Street (U.S. 6/52) and Doris Avenue. ​

At least one lane in both directions will remain open for approximately one month while temporary pavement and other site needs are completed to accommodate traffic during the interchange’s reconstruction. Once the temporary pavement is complete, Chicago Street will return to two lanes in both directions while the interchange is rebuilt, with various lane shifts and occasional closures until the project is finished. ​

Starting in late March or early April, the following ramps will close:

Additional ramp and lane closures for varying durations will be required at times. Schedules and impacts to traffic will be shared approaching the closure dates. ​

Likewise, pending final contract awards, construction is expected to begin later this spring on the Des Plaines River bridges, resulting in a reduction of I-80 to two lanes in both directions between Richards and Center streets with various impacts on nearby local streets. The new bridges will be built just north of the existing structures. Once completed, traffic will be shifted to the new bridges, westbound in early 2028 and eastbound by the end of 2028.

Since the overall I-80 project broke ground, the following elements have been finished: Bridges over I-80 at Shepley Road, River Road, Wheeler Avenue and Briggs Street to accommodate the wider interstate. New mainline pavement between Ridge Road to River Road was completed late last year. The Richards Street interchange and bridge over Hickory Creek also wrapped up in 2025. Bridges carrying I-80 over Hickory Creek, Richards Street and Rowell Avenue/Canadian National railroad were finished in 2024. ​ ​

Extensive work will be completed by the end of this year along the corridor, including 12 miles from Ridge Road to Larkin Avenue and from Richards Street to U.S. 30. Newly rebuilt interchanges at I-55, Larkin Avenue and Briggs Street will be complete, including a new flyover ramp carrying southbound I-55 to eastbound I-80 and a third lane in each direction opening from Ridge Road to Larkin Avenue and from Richards Street to U.S. 30.

Most interchange ramps at Center Street/Meadow Avenue and Center Street over I-80 between Wheeler Avenue and Morgan Street were closed last year for reconstruction, with an anticipated reopening in late 2028. Detours are posted. The interchange ramp from eastbound Meadow Avenue to eastbound I-80 remains open but scheduled to close for reconstruction in late 2027.

As the I-80 project continues, the public should continue to expect lane shifts, overnight lane closures and significant delays, allowing extra time for trips through the area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and stay alert for workers and equipment.

The overall I-80 project is redesigning and rebuilding 16 miles from Ridge Road in Minooka to U.S. 30 in Joliet and New Lenox. Rebuilt and improved interchanges are planned for I-55, Larkin Avenue, 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 project is anticipated to be complete by the end of 2028, with landscaping, bridge demolition and miscellaneous work extending into 2029. ​ ​

For more information, visit I80will.org, which features project information, photos and the ability to submit questions and comments to the project team.

# # #