Will County Gazette

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has announced upcoming lane changes on Interstate 80 in Joliet as part of a larger reconstruction project stretching from Ridge Road in Minooka to U.S. 30 in Joliet and New Lenox. The changes are scheduled to begin Sunday, October 26, weather permitting.

To accommodate the work zone adjustments, overnight lane closures will occur over two nights. On Saturday, October 25, westbound I-80 will be reduced to one lane from Chicago Street (U.S.52/Illinois 53) to Houbolt Road starting at 8 p.m. During this time, the westbound I-80 ramps to and from Larkin Avenue (Illinois 7) and the Center Street ramp to westbound I-80 will also close. All ramps and lanes closed overnight are expected to reopen by noon Sunday, when a new traffic pattern will be in place. In this configuration, westbound I-80 traffic will shift to the right onto new concrete pavement.

On Saturday, November 1, similar changes will occur for eastbound I-80. Beginning at 8 p.m., eastbound I-80 will be reduced to one lane from Houbolt Road to Wheeler Avenue. The eastbound I-80 ramps to and from Larkin Avenue will close at the same time. These ramps and lanes are also scheduled to reopen by noon Sunday, with eastbound traffic shifted right onto new pavement.

According to IDOT, "The new configurations will allow work to continue on the mainline lanes and are estimated to remain in place through summer 2026."

Motorists are advised to expect continued lane shifts, overnight closures, and significant delays, and to allow extra travel time through the area. Drivers are also urged to pay attention to flaggers and signs, obey posted speed limits, and remain alert for workers and equipment.

Further information about the project can be found at I80will.org, which offers project updates, photos, and a way to contact the project team. Traffic and road conditions are available at www.gettingaroundillinois.com. IDOT also provides updates through Facebook and X.

For media inquiries, Maria Castaneda and Guy Tridgell of IDOT are listed as contacts.