Lanes Reduced, Ramps Closed for Bridge Reconstruction Project

Submitted by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that lane reductions and ramp closures are necessary for a bridge reconstruction project along Illinois 171 and the Interstate 55 interchange, in Summit, Lyons and McCook, beginning, weather permitting, the week of March 21.

The project will reconstruct the bridges along northbound Illinois 171 from 47th Street to 55th Street as well as the interchange with Interstate 55.

To complete the work, traffic on Illinois 171 will be reduced to one lane in each direction, beginning March 24. Traffic will shift onto the newly constructed southbound lanes on Illinois 171.

There will be occasional, overnight closures on Interstate 55 near Illinois 171 and permanent shoulder closures on I-55 at IL 171.

Beginning March 28, all ramps on northbound IL 171 will be closed to traffic in order to reconstruct the interchange. Detours will be posted for the following permanent ramp closures:

• Northbound I-55 to Northbound IL 171
• Southbound I-55 to Northbound IL 171
• Northbound IL 171 to Northbound I-55
• Northbound IL 171 to Southbound I-55
• Northbound IL 171 to Joliet Road

All lanes and ramps will reopen when the project is completed in Fall 2016, weather permitting.

The scope of the project includes the rehabilitation and widening of eight bridges along northbound Illinois 171 between 47th Street and 55th Street. It also will include bridge replacement of northbound Illinois 171 over Interstate 55. In addition, the improvements will feature ramp modification, wall repairs, asphalt resurfacing, pavement markings, landscaping, and replacements of signs, roadway lighting, high mast light towers and drainage structures.

Motorists can expect delays and should seek alternate routes. 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. Click here to find details on other construction projects in IDOT’s District 1.

Updates on the impacts to traffic are available at travelmidwest.com.