Joliet, IL – Drivers in Will County should expect major traffic changes beginning next week as construction ramps up at the Interstate 80 and Center Street/Meadow Avenue interchange.
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, ramps to and from I-80 at Center Street/Meadow Avenue will close after the evening rush next week, as crews begin a full reconstruction of the interchange. Center Street and Meadow Avenue over I-80 between Wheeler Avenue and Morgan Street will also be closed during the work.
The project is part of the broader I-80 Will County improvement program and is expected to significantly alter travel patterns in the Joliet area for the next several years. Officials say the closures are necessary to safely rebuild the interchange and improve long-term traffic flow.
Detours will be clearly posted using U.S. 6, Larkin Avenue (Illinois Route 7), and Jefferson Street (U.S. 52). IDOT noted that the ramp from eastbound Meadow Avenue to eastbound I-80 will remain open during construction, providing limited access for drivers heading east.
All ramps connecting I-80 and Center Street/Meadow Avenue are anticipated to reopen in late 2028 once the reconstruction is complete. When finished, the upgraded interchange is expected to provide safer and more efficient travel for motorists across Will County and the greater Joliet area.
Drivers are urged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and use caution in work zones, especially during peak commuting hours. Additional detour maps and traffic updates are available through IDOT’s travel information resources.
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