JOLIET, Ill. (WLS) — The next phase of the long-term Interstate 80 construction project is set to begin soon. According to Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) officials, this upcoming segment will be the most complex part of the entire effort, and drivers should prepare for significant impacts.
The next stage, which is expected to last about a month, will start in the first or second week of March. Work will focus on the Chicago Street Interchange in Joliet.
“This is the most complex portion of the entire 16-mile project. With overlapping contracts, this section through Joliet will function as one coordinated construction zone,” explained Eric Ray of IDOT.
During this phase, drivers will experience major traffic disruptions on both Chicago Street and I-80. Chicago Street will be reduced to just one lane in each direction between Doris Avenue and McDonough Street for approximately one month. This lane reduction will allow crews to build temporary pavement necessary for upcoming traffic shifts.
Additional stages of the project are planned for late summer and beyond, with more ramp closures expected as part of the ongoing work.
The $1.3 billion project is currently about 60 percent complete and aims to reach approximately 80 percent completion by the end of the year.
This section of the I-80 corridor carries around 80,000 vehicles daily, with freight traffic accounting for 25% of that volume. The heavy traffic contributes to congestion, merging challenges, and pressures on aging infrastructure, including dozens of bridges that require full replacement—among them, bridges spanning the Des Plaines River.
Drivers should expect various lane shifts, ramp closures, posted detours, and periods of heavy congestion throughout the construction.
“This final phase is what allows us to deliver the full benefits of the project—a safer, more reliable I-80 Corridor for decades to come,” said Matt Daeda from engineering firm Lochner.
The entire project is scheduled for completion in 2028.
For continuous updates and traffic information, drivers are encouraged to stay tuned to local news and IDOT announcements.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/idot-warns-motorists-should-prepare-traffic-during-stage-80-construction-joliet-chicago-street-interchange/18655437/