Lemont Road, I-55 Bridge Project Almost Finished

LEMONT, IL — The project replacing the bridge carrying Interstate 55 over Lemont is almost finished, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced.

Throughout construction on the project, all lanes of I-55 and access to Lemont were maintained with the use of temporary ramps and a temporary traffic signal at Lemont Road. Now, to safely shift lanes back to their original format and open the new ramps, there will be three consecutive nights of lane closure starting Jan. 2.

Starting Jan. 2, nightly lane shifts and closures will happen between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. in both directions of I-55 approaching Lemont Road, according to IDOT. At least one lane in each direction will stay open.

By 5 a.m. on Jan. 5, both directions of I-55 traffic at Lemont Road will be in their final configuration and the new clover leaf ramps to and from Lemont Road will be open.

The shoulders on I-55 at Lemont Road will remain closed with barrier wall for the installation of new lighting and removal of the temporary pavement/ramps. Drivers can also expect intermittent daytime lane closure son Lemont Road at the bridge for the installation of the bridge drainage system and the underpass lighting, IDOT said in a release.

The final items are anticipated to be completed in spring 2024.

The $17 million project at Lemont Road and I-55 started earlier this year, and consisted of the replacement of the existing bridge with a new wider structure, reconstructing the ramps, installing new lighting and storm sewers, resurfacing and landscaping.

The public should expect delays and allow extra time for trips through the area, IDOT said. 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.