Will County Gazette

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has announced that the Wheeler Avenue bridge over Interstate 80 in Joliet will soon be reopening. The $5.7 million project, funded by Governor JB Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois capital program, is nearing completion and is scheduled to reopen on Friday, December 22, weather permitting.

The project involved replacing the bridge with a new wider structure to accommodate the widening of I-80 underneath. Additionally, new storm sewers and ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps were installed as part of the project. This bridge replacement is part of the larger $1.3 billion reconstruction of I-80 through Will County.

Motorists should be aware that there may still be some delays as work continues along I-80. It is advised to allow extra time for trips through the area and to be cautious of flaggers and signs in the work zones. Drivers should also obey the posted speed limits and be alert for workers and equipment.

The overall I-80 project aims to redesign and rebuild 16 miles of the highway, from Ridge Road in Minooka to U.S. 30 in Joliet and New Lenox. The project includes adding or extending auxiliary lanes to improve safety and reduce congestion, as well as rebuilding or improving interchanges at various locations along the route.

One of the notable improvements is the construction of a new flyover ramp linking southbound I-55 to eastbound I-80, which will enhance traffic flow and safety. Furthermore, over 30 bridges, including those over the Des Plaines River, will be rehabilitated or replaced as part of the project.

The projected completion date for the entire I-80 project is the end of 2028, with some landscaping, bridge demolition, and miscellaneous work extending into 2029.

For more information about the project, visit the mobile-friendly website I80will.org, which provides project information, photos, and the opportunity to submit questions and comments to the project team. Real-time traffic and road conditions can be found at gettingaroundillinois.com. Additionally, updates on the project can be found on IDOT's Facebook and Twitter pages.

In summary, the replacement of the Wheeler Avenue bridge over I-80 in Joliet is nearing completion, and the bridge is set to reopen on Friday, December 22. This project is part of the larger reconstruction of I-80 in Will County, which aims to improve safety and reduce congestion. Motorists are advised to be cautious and allow for extra travel time in the area as work continues.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.joliet.gov/Home/Components/News/News/4572/41