Outbound I-55 over Joliet Road lane changes

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that as part of ongoing reconstruction of the Interstate 55 bridge over Joliet Road in Bolingbrook, a stage change is scheduled to take place beginning, weather permitting, Thursday, Oct. 2.

To facilitate the stage change, starting at 9 p.m. Wednesday, lane closures are scheduled to take place on outbound I-55 approaching Joliet Road. The ramps will not be impacted and at least one outbound lane will remain open at all times. The lanes that were closed overnight will reopen by 5 a.m. Thursday, when the new traffic pattern will be in place.

In the new configuration, outbound I-55 will be shifted slightly to the right to accommodate the next stage of bridge deck reconstruction.

There will continue to be no shoulders throughout the work zone in both directions of I-55. Entrances, exits and inbound I-55 will remain the same.

The public should continue to expect lane shifts, overnight lane closures and significant delays and to allow extra time for trips through this area. Alternative routes are encouraged. 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 $17.7 million project consists of replacing the existing I-55 bridges over Illinois 53 and Joliet Road with new, wider structures, new deck overlays and approaches, resurfacing and new lighting. Work at I-55 over Illinois 53 was completed in 2024. I-55 over Joliet Road is anticipated to be completed by the end of this year.

Over the next six years, IDOT is planning to improve more than 3,200 miles of highway and nearly 9 million square feet of bridge deck as part of Rebuild Illinois, which is investing $33.2 billion into all modes of transportation. Accomplishments through Year Six of Rebuild Illinois include almost $20.8 billion of improvements statewide on 7,897 miles of highway, 815 bridges and 1,181 additional safety improvements.

For more information on IDOT projects, click here. Find traffic and road conditions at www.gettingaroundillinois.com. You also can follow IDOT on Facebook and X.

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