Traffic Ahead: Major Delays On I-80 Expected Starting Thursday

NEW LENOX, IL — Motorists traveling on Interstate 80 through Joliet can expect longer delays than usual thanks to planned lane and ramp closures that are set to begin Thursday, according to a news release from the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Bridge deck patching and repairs to I-80 between Raynor Avenue and Gardner Street, in Joliet, will require lane and ramp closures over multiple weekends, according to IDOT.

Starting at 10 p.m. Thursday, lane closures will take place on eastbound I-80 between Raynor Avenue and Gardner Street. Additionally, the ramp from Chicago Street (U.S.Route 52/Illinois Route 53) to eastbound I-80 will be closed. Detours will be posted.

At least one eastbound I-80 lane will remain open at all times, and westbound I-80 will not be impacted, IDOT said.

Eastbound I-80 motorists traveling through the are encouraged to find alternative routes. Local streets are unable to accommodate heavy or wide trucks, so other interstate routes are encouraged, IDOT said.

The ramp and all lanes are anticipated to reopen by 5 a.m. Monday.

But wait, there's more.

The eastbound I-80 ramp to Richards Street will be closed for reconstruction until late fall, according to IDOT. The posted detour will direct traffic to exit Briggs Street and re-enter westbound I-80 to access the Richards Street exit.

Additional weekend lane and ramp closures are also scheduled to take place from 10 p.m. Thursdays to 5 a.m. Mondays, alternating between westbound and eastbound I-80 for approximately eight consecutive weekends, weather permitting.

The work consists of patching, milling, resurfacing and pavement striping to keep the pavement in acceptable condition until the larger corridor project can begin, IDOT said.

"By scheduling the work over multiple weekends this fall, the unplanned, emergency closures that have occurred with increasing frequency in recent years can be minimized," IDOT said in its statement. "Also, by planning the repairs, they can be performed more safely and allow motorists the opportunity to plan ahead and use alternative routes to avoid the area when feasible."