Closures on I-80 in Joliet over two consecutive weekends

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that bridge deck repairs and pavement patching on Interstate 80, between Houbolt Road and Richards Street, in Joliet, will require ramp and lane closures over the following two consecutive weekends.

Friday, April 25 to Monday April 28

Starting at 10 p.m. Friday, weather permitting, lane closures will take place on eastbound I-80, between Houbolt Road and Richards Street. The ramps from northbound and southbound Chicago Street (U.S.52/Illinois 53) to eastbound I-80 also will be closed. During that time, motorists should follow the posted detour to access the interstate. At least one eastbound I-80 lane will remain open at all times and westbound I-80 will not be impacted. All ramps and lanes are anticipated to reopen by 5 a.m. Monday.

Friday, May 2 to Monday, May 5

Starting at 10 p.m. Friday, weather permitting, lane closures will take place on westbound I-80, between Richards Street and Houbolt Road. The ramps from northbound and southbound Chicago Street to westbound I-80 also will be closed. Motorists should follow the posted detour. At least one westbound I-80 lane will remain open at all times and eastbound I-80 will not be impacted. All ramps and lanes are anticipated to reopen by 5 a.m. Monday.

Heavy congestion is anticipated. Motorists 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 work consists of bridge deck repairs and pavement patching to keep the structures in acceptable condition while the larger I-80 corridor improvement is under construction. By scheduling the work over multiple weekends, the unplanned, emergency closures that have occurred with increasing frequency in recent years can be minimized. Also, by planning the repairs, they can be performed more safely and allow motorists the opportunity to plan ahead and use alternative routes to avoid the area when feasible.

As the I-80 reconstruction continues, the public should continue to expect lane shifts, overnight lane closures and significant delays and to 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.

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 X.

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