Outbound Bishop Ford lane changes begin Sept. 15
Split-lane configuration moves east to Sibley Boulevard to 159th Street
CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that as part of the ongoing rehabilitation of the Bishop Ford Freeway (Interstate 94) from west of Martin Luther King Drive to 159th Street (U.S. 6), through Chicago, Dolton, Burnham, Riverdale, Calumet City and South Holland, a work zone stage change with temporary split-lane configurations is scheduled to take place beginning, weather permitting, Tuesday, Sept. 15.
The changes are necessary to allow concrete patching and resurfacing of the center lanes between 154th and 159th streets. The configuration is expected to remain in place for approximately two weeks.
To facilitate the stage change:
- Starting at 10 p.m. Monday, the outbound Bishop Ford will be reduced to one lane from north of Sibley Boulevard (Illinois 83) to 159 Street.
- By 6 a.m. Tuesday, all lanes temporarily closed overnight will reopen and the new traffic pattern will be in place.
In the new configuration:
- There will continue to be at least two outbound lanes and the split lanes at Dolton Avenue will be removed.
- In the new pattern, lanes will split approaching Michigan City Road, separated by construction barrels with the work zone in the center lane.
- Drivers will be directed by signs and message boards to stay to the right at the split to access the 159th Street exits.
- The left lane will continue as a through lane and motorists will not be able to exit until the I-80/I-294/I-394 interchange.
- The lanes merge back just south of 159th Street.
- The public should be aware of the changes, prepare to merge into their preferred lane early and anticipate some delays in the first few days of the configuration.
- Additionally, during this stage of construction the outbound Bishop Ford will be reduced to one lane between Sibley Boulevard and 159th Street from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. During those times, the eastbound Lincoln Avenue ramp to outbound Bishop Ford also will be closed.
All schedules are subject to change due to multiple factors, including weather. Any updates will be shared with the public as far in advance as possible.
Heavy congestion is anticipated. Drivers heading eastbound should consider alternative routes to avoid the area. As the Bishop Ford 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.
Construction on the outbound lanes is anticipated to continue through December, when the Bishop Ford returns to three lanes in both directions. Work will resume next spring on the inbound side, with the project wrapping up in late 2027.
For more information, visit https://idot.click/Bishop-Ford, which features project information, photos and the ability to submit questions and comments to the project team. 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
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