Rand Road bridge replacement begins March 24

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that a project to replace the bridge carrying Rand Road (U.S.12) over the Des Plaines River in Des Plaines will begin, weather permitting, Tuesday, March 24.

To complete the work, Rand Road will be reduced from two lanes to one in both directions between Ballard Road and Elk Boulevard. Ballard Road and Hawthorne Lane will remain open during construction with lane closures and lane shifts approaching Rand Road.

The $18 million project is replacing the existing bridge with a new wider structure, installing new LED lighting and guardrail, modernizing traffic signals, improving drainage and landscaping. New sidewalks will be constructed on both sides of the bridge with a multi-use path on the eastbound side to connect with the Des Plaines River Trail.

The project is anticipated to be completed in late 2027.

The public can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Alternate 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.

Over the next six years, IDOT is planning to improve 7,107 lane miles of highway and 8.4 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 to 21,309 lane 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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