Will County Gazette

The Illinois Department of Transportation will begin routine inspections of the I-55 bridges over the Des Plaines River near Channahon starting Monday, August 11, weather permitting.

According to the department, daily lane closures are necessary to complete the inspections. The process will start with southbound bridge closures until about August 18, after which work will shift to the northbound bridges. All inspections are expected to finish by Saturday, August 23.

To reduce traffic disruptions, southbound lane closures are scheduled from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday and on Saturdays if needed. Northbound closures will occur from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. At least one lane in each direction will remain open during these periods.

In addition to inspections, pavement repairs on the northbound I-55 bridges are planned for the weekends of August 15 and August 22. This work is set for Friday nights at 9 p.m. through Saturday mornings at 9 a.m., and again from Saturday nights at 9 p.m. until Sunday mornings at 11 a.m., weather permitting. Throughout this work, at least one northbound lane will stay open while southbound lanes will not be affected.

The department advises that drivers should expect delays and allow extra travel time when passing through this area. Alternative routes are recommended where possible. "Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and be on the alert for workers and equipment," according to IDOT.