Full closure on I-55 at I-80 over three consecutive nights
CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that as part of ongoing efforts to rebuild the Interstate 80 bridges over Interstate 55, in Joliet, Channahon and Shorewood, a full closure will be required in both directions of I-55 at I-80 over three consecutive nights, beginning, weather permitting, Monday, July 7. The closures are necessary to safely install steel beams on the I-80 bridge over the expressway.
The following closures with detours will take place Monday, July 7, Tuesday, July 8 and Wednesday, July 9:
- Starting at 8 p.m., eastbound and westbound I-80 will be reduced to one lane between River and Houbolt roads.
- Starting at 9 p.m., northbound and southbound I-55 will be reduced to one lane between Illinois 59 and U.S. 6.
- At 11 p.m., the westbound I-80 ramp to southbound I-55 will close.
- At midnight, the eastbound I-80 ramp to northbound I-55 will close.
- Between 1 and 5 a.m. both directions of I-55 will be fully closed at I-80.
- During that time, a detour will direct northbound I-55 traffic to exit at eastbound I-80 to northbound Houbolt Road and reenter westbound I-80 to access northbound I-55.
- Southbound I-55 will be detoured to exit the expressway at westbound I-80 to southbound Ridge Road and reenter eastbound I-80 to access southbound I-55.
- One lane on northbound and southbound I-55 will reopen by 5 a.m. each morning, with all lanes and ramps open by 6 a.m.
The work is anticipated to be completed by 6 a.m. Thursday, July 10.
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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Maria Castaneda
Guy Tridgell