Joliet, IL – Drivers traveling westbound on Interstate 80 through Joliet should expect significant delays today as emergency repairs force the closure of a key travel lane during peak hours.
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the right lane of westbound I-80 is closed between Larkin Avenue (Illinois Route 7) and Houbolt Road for emergency concrete repairs. The closure affects a heavily traveled stretch of highway in Will County, just southwest of the Chicago metro area.
IDOT officials say crews are working to complete repairs and reopen the lane by the evening rush, but colder temperatures could delay reopening. Concrete requires sufficient time and temperature to properly set before traffic can safely resume, potentially extending impacts into late afternoon or early evening.
Eastbound I-80 traffic is not affected, but westbound motorists should prepare for heavy congestion, especially during commuter hours. Traffic backups are expected to build quickly as vehicles merge into fewer lanes.
Drivers are encouraged to seek alternate routes when possible. Local streets in the area cannot accommodate heavy or wide trucks, and officials recommend commercial drivers use other interstate routes to avoid bottlenecks and safety issues.
The affected corridor runs through Joliet in Will County, a major freight and commuter link connecting suburbs to the broader Chicago-area interstate system. Even short-term lane closures in this area often cause ripple effects across nearby highways and surface roads.
Motorists heading west through Joliet today should allow extra travel time and monitor traffic updates before departing.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
