Work On $17M Bridge Replacement Project In Darien Begins Friday

DARIEN, IL — Work on a $17 million project to replace the bridge that carries Interstate 55 over Lemont Road in Darien will begin on Friday and will close the shoulders on both sides of the expressway near the bridge for the next two months, officials said on Wednesday.

Work will begin, weather permitting, and traffic patterns along with access to Lemont Road are expected to remain in place during the course of the project, the Illinois Department of Transportation said.

Officials said that the shoulders of the road approaching the bridge will be closed to allow workers to prepare for the next phase of the project.

In addition, to accommodate median repairs on Lemont Road, southbound Lemont Road traffic will shift slightly to the right and northbound Lemont Road will be reduced from two lanes to one just before and after the bridge, IDOT said in a news release.

The project, which consists of replacing the existing bridge with a new wider structure, reconstructing the ramps, installing new lighting and storm sewers, resurfacing, and landscaping, is anticipated to be completed in late 2023.

Drivers should expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are also asked 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.