Chicago Construction News staff writer
Construction on the new Chicago Street interchange (U.S. 52/Illinois 53) in Joliet is scheduled to begin the week this week, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced. Work is part of the $1.3-billion I-80 modernization, a major Rebuild Illinois program project covering 16 miles from Ridge Road in Minooka to U.S. 30 in Joliet and New Lenox.
The Chicago Street interchange is the final of six along the corridor to be rebuilt. Initial work will include lane closures on Chicago Street between McDonough Street (U.S. 6/52) and Doris Avenue. One lane in each direction will remain open for about a month to allow temporary pavement installation, after which two lanes in each direction will be maintained while the interchange is reconstructed. Lane shifts and occasional closures are expected until project completion.
Construction on the Des Plaines River bridges is expected to start later this spring, pending final contracts. The work will reduce I-80 to two lanes in each direction between Richards and Center streets. New bridges will be built north of existing structures, with westbound traffic shifting in early 2028 and eastbound by the end of 2028.
Since the project broke ground, IDOT has completed multiple bridge replacements, new mainline pavement between Ridge Road and River Road, and interchanges at Richards Street and I-55. By the end of 2026, significant corridor improvements are expected, including rebuilt interchanges at I-55, Larkin Avenue and Briggs Street, a third lane in each direction in select sections, and a new flyover ramp connecting southbound I-55 to eastbound I-80.
The project is on track for substantial completion by the end of 2028, with final landscaping, bridge demolition and miscellaneous work extending into 2029.
Drivers should expect lane shifts, overnight closures and delays through the corridor and are urged to follow posted speeds and detours.
