Diverging Diamond For Joliet, Shorewood: Your Politicians Rejoice

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton: "By improving access to this key area, we are helping businesses, families, and workers thrive in Will County."

John Ferak, Patch Staff

Posted Mon, Oct 7, 2024 at 7:18 pm CT|Updated Mon, Oct 7, 2024 at 7:30 pm CT

City ofJoliet elected officials gather for a photograph on Monday at the new Seil Road intercharge. It's a diverging diamond providing access to Interstate 55 and Route 59. (John Ferak/Joliet Patch Editor)

JOLIET — Cullinan Properties celebrated Monday morning's opening of the new interchange at Interstate 55 and Route 59 near I-80. The new diverging diamond will serve as the main thoroughfare into the 310-acre Rock Run Collection under development, with Hollywood Casino Joliet under construction and the first multi-family building soon to break ground. This marks the third diverging diamond for Will County. The other two are at Weber Road in Romeoville and at Houbolt Road in Joliet.

According to the press release: the new infrastructure gateway at I-55 and Route 59 in Joliet is part of a $93 million access project that will improve safety and increase access to Joliet, Shorewood, Plainfield and the surrounding communities, including to Rock Run Collection, a 310-acre mixed-use development.

The Seil Road interchange opening celebration included an official ribbon cutting with:

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U.S. Senator Dick Durbin
Illinois Lt. Gov. Julianna Stratton
U.S. Representative Lauren Underwood
Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Omer Osman
State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel
State Senator Rachel Ventura
State Rep. Larry Walsh
State Rep. Deputy Majority Leader Natalie Manley
Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant
Joliet Mayor Terry D’Arcy
Shorewood Mayor Clarence DeBold
Pat Young Operating Engineers Local 150
Cullinan Properties Chairman Diane Cullinan Oberhelman.

Here's a summary of quotes made during Monday's celebration:

“Today was a day for celebration as this important portion of Interstate 55 at Illinois 59 Access Project is now complete and the potential is further realized for our high-traffic, high-visibility super-regional destination,” said Diane Cullinan Oberhelman. “We commend the state officials, IDOT, City of Joliet and all who worked tirelessly to complete this leg of the project and with it improve access to Joliet, Shorewood, Plainfield and communities.”

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The Interchange is part of the Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan and was also supported through a $20 million federal BUILD grant.

“This project represents a significant investment in the future of our communities, enhancing safety and mobility while opening doors for economic growth,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "By improving access to this key area, we are helping businesses, families, and workers thrive in Will County and beyond."

“I am honored to be here today under Gov. Pritzker’s leadership to celebrate safer and more efficient travel, improved access to the region, and the projected growth and economic impact from this project and the other portions still underway,” said Secretary Omer Osman.

“Today was an opportunity to thank everyone who worked tirelessly for years to support the I-55 at IL 59 Access Project and this interchange in particular. This includes those joining us today from federal, state and local offices, as well as the hundreds of trades men and woman who have worked tirelessly to move the project to complete,” said Senator Durbin.