The Illinois Department of Transportation announced ramp closures at the Interstate 80 and Chicago Street interchange will begin Friday, April 24 at 7 p.m., weather permitting. The closures are part of the ongoing I-80 reconstruction project and are expected to remain in place through 2028.
These long-term closures will impact daily travel for drivers in Joliet and surrounding areas. Motorists should expect detours, delays, and increased congestion as traffic is rerouted through nearby interchanges.
Several ramps will be affected:
Westbound I-80 to northbound and southbound Chicago Street will close. Drivers will be directed to exit at Larkin Avenue and re-enter eastbound I-80 to access Chicago Street.
Eastbound I-80 to northbound Chicago Street will also close. Traffic will be routed to southbound Chicago Street, where a temporary signal will allow a left turn to continue north.
Chicago Street traffic heading to eastbound I-80 will be detoured westbound to Larkin Avenue before looping back onto eastbound I-80.
Northbound Chicago Street to westbound I-80 will require drivers to use a temporary ramp connecting from southbound Chicago Street.
Additional ramp and lane closures are expected at various times as the project continues. Updates will be shared ahead of those changes.
The broader I-80 project spans 16 miles, from Ridge Road in Minooka to U.S. 30 in Joliet and New Lenox.
Plans include rebuilding multiple interchanges, including I-55, Larkin Avenue, Center Street, Chicago Street, Richards Street, and Briggs Street.
A new flyover ramp connecting southbound I-55 to eastbound I-80 is also planned to improve traffic flow and safety. More than 30 bridges will be repaired or replaced, including those over the Des Plaines River.
Drivers should expect lane shifts, overnight closures, and significant delays throughout construction. Officials urge motorists to allow extra travel time, follow posted signs, obey speed limits, and remain alert for workers and equipment.
The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2028, with additional work continuing into 2029.
For more information, visit I80will.org.
