Joliet, IL – Drivers across Will County should expect continued nighttime delays on westbound I-80 this week as crews work on steel repairs at the Des Plaines River bridge in Joliet. The work requires nightly lane and ramp closures that affect some of the busiest connections in the region.
According to I-80 Will, closures are scheduled Monday through Friday nights from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., impacting both through traffic and local access points. The right lane on westbound I-80 is closed each night between Chicago Street and Meadow Avenue, creating potential bottlenecks for late commuters and overnight freight carriers.
Transportation officials also noted that the southbound Chicago Street ramp to westbound I-80 closes nightly, pushing drivers to seek alternate routes through Joliet’s surface streets. Detours are posted, but motorists may experience travel times several minutes longer than usual, especially during the early overnight hours when work crews are most active.
The project is part of a broader repair effort on the Des Plaines River bridge—an aging structure that has required extensive maintenance in recent years. According to officials, the current phase of steel repairs is expected to be completed by late December, weather permitting.
Authorities are asking drivers to reduce speed, follow posted signage, and use caution while moving through the construction zone. Heavy equipment and overnight workers will be present throughout the week.
Residents and commuters who regularly use the corridor are encouraged to plan ahead and monitor updates from I-80 Will and the Illinois Department of Transportation.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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