Richards Street Next Up For IDOT: $20 Million Road Repair Project

JOLIET — As part of the ongoing reconstruction and modernization of Interstate 80, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced on Thursday that an improvement project on Richards Street, between Colburn and Fifth avenues, in Joliet, will begin, weather permitting, Monday, Oct. 14.

The $20 million project will rebuild the road and rehabilitate the bridge carrying Richards Street over Hickory Creek. The project also includes the installation of new noise barriers adjacent to I-80, according to the IDOT press release.

To complete the work, beginning Monday, Richards Street will be reduced to one lane in both directions between Colburn and Fifth avenues. The public also should expect various lane shifts on both sides of Richards Street and overnight lane closures on I-80.

Starting Monday, Oct. 21, the ramps to and from Richards Street and I-80 will be closed through the end of construction, anticipated to be completed fall 2025. Motorists should follow the posted detours.

Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. 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.

The overall I-80 project will redesign and rebuild 16 miles from Ridge Road, in Minooka, to U.S. 30, in Joliet and New Lenox, while adding or extending auxiliary lanes to improve safety and reduce congestion. Interchanges will be rebuilt or improved at Interstate 55, Illinois 7, Center Street, Chicago Street, Richards Street and Briggs Street, with a new flyover ramp linking southbound I-55 to eastbound I-80 to improve traffic flow and safety.

More than 30 bridges will be rehabilitated or replaced, including those over the Des Plaines River. The projected $1.3 billion project is anticipated to be substantially complete by the end of 2028, with landscaping, bridge demolition and miscellaneous work extending into 2029.