Lane closures on I-80 in Joliet over four consecutive weekends

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that bridge deck repairs and pavement patching on Interstate 80 between Wheeler Avenue and Richards Street in Joliet will require lane closures over four consecutive weekends beginning, weather permitting, Friday, May 29. ​

Starting at 10 p.m. Friday, lane closures are scheduled to take place on westbound I-80, between Richards Street and Wheeler Avenue. At least one westbound I-80 lane will remain open at all times and eastbound I-80 will not be impacted. All lanes are expected to reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, June 1.

Heavy congestion is anticipated. Westbound 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.

To complete the work, additional weekend lane closures are scheduled to take place, from 10 p.m. Fridays to 5 a.m. Mondays, alternating between westbound and eastbound I-80 for approximately three additional weekends, weather permitting. Details and impacts to traffic will be shared in advance, closer to the closure dates. ​ ​

The ramps from westbound I-80 to northbound and southbound Chicago Street (U.S.52/Illinois 53) are currently closed as part of the interchange reconstruction. The public is reminded to continue following the posted detour to access the interstate.

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