Traffic
Joliet, IL I-80 Traffic Alert: New Lane Pattern Starts Monday
JOLIET, IL – Drivers traveling westbound on Interstate 80 through the Joliet area should prepare for significant traffic changes beginning Monday, Nov. 2, as construction crews introduce a temporary l
By Natalie Rhodes · 2026-10-29T16:48:18.507Z
JOLIET, IL – Drivers traveling westbound on Interstate 80 through the Joliet area should prepare for significant traffic changes beginning Monday, Nov. 2, as construction crews introduce a temporary lane split expected to remain in place for approximately one month.
The changes could affect commuters and travelers throughout Will County, particularly those using the Larkin Avenue interchange.
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation and I 80 Will, the new configuration will affect westbound I 80 between Center Street and Houbolt Road as crews continue reconstruction of the interstate's center lanes.
New I 80 Lane Split Begins Monday Beginning Monday, two westbound lanes will remain open, but traffic will separate into individual lanes after Center Street.
Drivers will need to choose their lane based on their destination:
Right lane: Required for motorists exiting at Larkin Avenue Illinois Route 7 . Left lane: For through traffic continuing westbound toward Houbolt Road. Before Houbolt Road: The separated lanes will merge back together. Motorists should pay close attention to construction signs and select the appropriate lane before reaching the split.
Weekend Closures Could Cause Delays Before the new traffic pattern begins, construction crews have scheduled overnight lane closures and brief traffic stops for Saturday, Oct. 31, and Sunday, Nov. 1.
The Larkin Avenue ramps will also temporarily close Sunday night as crews prepare for the new configuration.
These operations could create additional congestion along I 80 and surrounding Joliet area roads.
Drivers Urged to Plan Ahead The temporary lane configuration is expected to remain in place for approximately one month while interstate reconstruction continues.
Officials encourage drivers to allow extra travel time, watch for changing traffic patterns and follow posted construction signs.
Motorists traveling through Joliet this weekend and into Monday should anticipate possible delays as drivers adjust to the new layout.
Additional construction updates are available through the Illinois Department of Transportation and the I 80 Will project.