Stage Change Now Planned Tuesday At I-55, Joliet Road

BOLINGBROOK, IL —Stage changes that were planned for Aug. 15 will now take place on Tuesday, weather permitting, IDOT said in a release. The stage change is part of ongoing reconstruction of the Interstate 55 bridge over Joliet Road in Bolingbrook.

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

In the new configuration, there will continue to be three inbound lanes and ramps remain the same. The three inbound I-55 lanes approaching Joliet Road will split, according to the release.

The right inbound lane will shift slightly to the left, while the two left inbound lanes will shift over to the outbound side (separated by barrier wall) and will merge back over to the inbound side after the bridge.

Additionally, during this stage of construction, there will be no shoulders throughout the work zone in both directions of I-55. Entrances, exits and outbound I-55 will remain the same, IDOT said.

The new configuration will allow work to continue on the inbound portion of the bridge and is estimated to remain in place until later this fall.

The public should continue to expect lane shifts, overnight lane closures and significant delays and to allow extra time for trips through this area, IDOT said. 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.

IDOT said 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 earlier this year. I-55 over Joliet Road is anticipated to be completed in summer 2025.