I-80 at Center Street interchange to close Dec. 22

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that the Interstate 80 interchange ramps at Center Street/Meadow Avenue in Joliet are scheduled to close, weather permitting, after the evening rush Monday, Dec. 22. Center Street/Meadow Avenue over I-80 between Wheeler Avenue and Morgan Street will be closing as well.

The closures are necessary to reconstruct and reconfigure the interchange at I-80 and Center Street. Detours will direct traffic to U.S. 6, Larkin Avenue (Illinois 7) and Jefferson Street (U.S. 52).

The interchange ramp from eastbound Meadow Avenue to eastbound I-80 will remain open. It is anticipated to close for repairs in fall 2027.

The interchange is one of six that are being rebuilt as part of the ongoing efforts to rebuild and modernize I-80 from Ridge Road in Minooka to U.S. 30 in Joliet and New Lenox. The ramps to and from the interstate and Center Street/Meadow Avenue over the interstate are anticipated to reopen in late 2028.

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.

The overall I-80 project will redesign and rebuild 16 miles 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. Interchanges will be rebuilt or improved at I-55, Illinois 7, 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 projected $1.3 billion project is anticipated to be substantially complete by the end of 2028, with landscaping, bridge demolition and miscellaneous work extending into 2029. ​

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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