UPDATE: The I-80 stage change scheduled to take place tonight has been reschedule. The ramps will close tonight as scheduled.
I-80 lane changes, ramp closures
CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that as part of ongoing efforts to rebuild Interstate 80 from Ridge Road, in Minooka, to U.S. 30, in Joliet and New Lenox, stage changes and ramp closures are scheduled to take place beginning, weather permitting, Tuesday, March 18. To facilitate the work zone changes, overnight lane closures are scheduled to take place over two nights.
Tuesday, March 18
- Eastbound I-80
- Starting at 8 p.m., eastbound I-80 will be reduced to one lane from east of Interstate 55 to west of Larkin Avenue (Illinois 7).
- Lanes that were closed overnight will reopen by 5 a.m. Wednesday, when the new traffic pattern will be in place.
- In the new configuration, eastbound I-80 will be shifted slightly to the right and the shoulders will be closed.
- Westbound I-80
- Starting at 8 p.m., westbound I-80 will be reduced to one lane from Chicago Street (U.S.52/Illinois 53) to west of Larkin Avenue.
- At the same time, the westbound I-80 ramp to southbound Larkin Avenue will close.
- Lanes that were closed overnight will reopen by 5 a.m. Wednesday, when the new traffic pattern will be in place.
- In the new configuration, westbound I-80 will be shifted slightly to the right and the shoulders will be closed.
- The westbound I-80 ramp to southbound Larkin Avenue will remain closed, anticipated to reopen in October. Motorists should follow the posted detour.
Thursday, March 20
- Ramp closures
- Starting at 8 p.m. tonight, the eastbound I-80 ramp to southbound Larkin Avenue will close, anticipated to reopen in late August.
- At the same time, the southbound Larkin Avenue ramp to eastbound I-80 also will close, anticipated to reopen in early September.
- Motorists should follow the posted detours.
Sunday, March 23
- Eastbound I-80
- Starting at 8 p.m. Sunday, eastbound I-80 will be reduced to one lane from west of Larkin Avenue to Wheeler Avenue.
- Lanes that were closed overnight will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, when the new traffic pattern will be in place.
- In the new configuration, eastbound I-80 will be shifted slightly to the right and the shoulders will be closed.
Monday, March 24
- Westbound I-80
- Starting at 9 p.m. Monday, westbound I-80 will be reduced to one lane from west of Larkin Avenue to east of I-55.
- Lanes that were closed overnight will reopen by 5 a.m. Tuesday, when the new traffic pattern will be in place.
- In the new configuration, westbound I-80 will be shifted slightly to the right and the shoulders will be closed.
The new configuration will allow work to continue on the mainline lanes and is estimated to remain in place through the fall.
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.
Maria Castaneda
Guy Tridgell