'Stage Change' At I-55, Route 53; New Traffic Pattern Starts Thursday

WILL COUNTY, IL — Another stage change will take place Wednesday night due to ongoing construction of the Interstate 55 bridge over Route 53, IDOT announced Wednesday.

The stage change will take place at 9 p.m. Wednesday, and lanes will be closed overnight on outbound I-55 approaching Route 53, according to IDOT. Ramps won't be impacted, and at least one outbound lane will remain open.

The lanes that were closed overnight will reopen by 5 a.m. Thursday, when a new traffic pattern will be in place.

In the new configuration, the current crossover in the left lane will be eliminated and all outbound lanes on the new outbound bridge, according to IDOT. Work on the new median wall will continue through the winter, with final lane configurations installed in the spring.

You can expect delays, and should allow extra time driving 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 $17.7 million project consists of replacing the existing I-55 bridges over Illinois 53 and Joliet Road with new wider structures, new deck overlays and approaches, resurfacing and new lighting, according to IDOT.

Work at I-55 over Illinois 53 is expected to be completed in early 2024. The bridge replacements for I-55 over Joliet Road are anticipated to begin early next year and completed in late 2024.