I-80 at Chicago Street ramp closures begin April 24
CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that as part of ongoing efforts to rebuild the interchange at Interstate 80 and Chicago Street (U.S. 52/Illinois 53) in Joliet, ramp closures are scheduled to begin, weather permitting, Friday, April 24.
Starting at 7 p.m. Friday, the following ramps will close and are anticipated to reopen in 2028.
- Westbound I-80 to northbound and southbound Chicago Street. A detour will direct traffic westbound on I-80 to the Larkin Avenue (Illinois 7) exit and entrance ramps to access Chicago Street via eastbound I-80.
- Eastbound I-80 to northbound Chicago Street. A detour will direct traffic to use the eastbound I-80 ramp to southbound Chicago Street then turn left (at temporary signal) onto northbound Chicago Street.
- Chicago Street (northbound and southbound) to eastbound I-80. A detour will direct traffic westbound on I-80 to the Larkin Avenue exit and entrance ramps to access eastbound I-80.
- Northbound Chicago Street to westbound I-80. A detour will direct traffic to turn left onto a temporary ramp connecting southbound Chicago Street to westbound I-80.
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.
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.
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Maria Castaneda
Guy Tridgell
