The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is celebrating a landmark year in its $1.3 billion effort to modernize 16 miles of Interstate I-80, stretching from Ridge Road in Minooka to U.S. 30 in Joliet and New Lenox. In 2024, the project reached significant milestones, including completion of six overpasses and bridges and making significant progress on reconstructing 12 miles of I-80.
2024: A Year of Progress
This year marked significant achievements with completion of six overpasses and bridges:
- Overpass at Wheeler Avenue: The overpass was rebuilt and widened to prepare for the future widened interstate.
- Overpasses at River Road & Briggs Street: The rebuilt overpasses include a multi-use path and sidewalks, improving connections for both vehicles and pedestrians.
- Bridges at Hickory Creek, Richards Street, Rowell Avenue/Canadian National Railroad: The bridges were widened and rehabilitated to accommodate the future widened interstate.
Beyond bridges, substantial progress was made on mainline reconstruction, with 12 miles of reconstruction initiated in Spring 2024.
- 12 Miles of I-80 Under Construction: Major reconstruction efforts are underway to rebuild and widen nearly 12 miles of the interstate. The work includes five active contracts scheduled for completion in Fall 2025 and Fall 2026.
Work in Joliet: Transforming Key Connections
Two major projects in Joliet are modernizing critical interchanges and bridges, improving safety, traffic flow, and community connectivity.
- Richards Street Interchange and Bridge: Reconstruction of the interchange and bridge over Hickory Creek, set for completion in late 2025.
- Midland Avenue Bridges: Rebuilding to accommodate planned widening of the interstate, with completion expected in 2026.
Looking Ahead
In 2025, construction will kick off on two major interchanges: the I-55 interchange and the Larkin Avenue interchange, marking another step forward in the I-80 corridor transformation.
The final stage of the project, slated to begin in 2026, will focus on the reconstruction of the Center Street and Chicago Street interchanges, as well as replacement of the I-80 bridges over the Des Plaines River. Substantial completion of the Des Plaines River bridges is targeted for the end of 2028, with landscaping and bridge demolition continuing into 2029.
A Project for Illinois’ Future
This transformative investment reflects IDOT’s commitment to building infrastructure that meets the demands of the 21st century. The corridor will gain additional lanes to reduce congestion, and major interchanges are being upgraded for more efficient, safer travel. More than 30 bridges, including the Des Plaines River bridge, will also be replaced or rehabilitated.
Key milestones reached prior to 2024, such as the Houbolt Road extension, U.S. 30 interchange improvements, and Shepley Road bridge replacement, paved the way for ongoing progress.
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