Will County, Illinois – Drivers traveling through the Joliet area should prepare for overnight closures and detours this week as construction continues on Interstate 80 bridges over Interstate 55.
According to I-80 Will County officials, lane reductions and full closures are scheduled Tuesday night, May 5, and Wednesday night, May 6, as crews install steel beams. The work will significantly impact traffic at the I-55 and I-80 interchange, a major corridor in the southwest Chicago metro area.
On Tuesday, northbound I-55 will be affected, with lane reductions beginning at 8 p.m. and increasing restrictions through the evening. By midnight, all northbound lanes of I-55 at I-80 will be fully closed. Westbound I-80 ramps to southbound I-55 will also shut down late Tuesday night.
On Wednesday, similar closures will impact southbound I-55, with lane reductions starting at 8 p.m. and a full closure at midnight. Ramps from westbound I-80 to southbound I-55 will again be closed.
Detours will direct drivers along local routes, including Houbolt Road and Ridge Road, depending on direction. All lanes are expected to reopen by 6 a.m. each morning.
Officials warn motorists to expect delays, changing traffic patterns, and active construction zones. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and follow posted detour signs.
The I-80 bridge project is part of ongoing infrastructure improvements aimed at enhancing safety and traffic flow in one of the region’s busiest freight corridors.
