Illinois Department of Transportation

07/17/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/17/2026 11:42

Full closure on I-55 at I-80 over two consecutive nights

CHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that as part of ongoing efforts to rebuild the Interstate 80 bridges over Interstate 55 in Joliet, Channahon and Shorewood, a full closure will be required in both directions of I-55 at I-80 over two consecutive nights beginning, weather permitting, Monday, July 20. The closures are necessary to safely remove steel beams on the I-80 bridge over the expressway. ​

Monday, July 20

  • Starting at 8 p.m., northbound and southbound I-55 will be reduced to one lane between Illinois 59 and U.S. 6.
  • At 11 p.m., the eastbound I-80 ramp to northbound I-55 will close.
  • Between midnight and 5 a.m., northboundI-55 will be fully closed at I-80.
  • During that time, a detour will direct northbound I-55 traffic to exit at eastbound I-80 to northbound Houbolt Road and reenter westbound I-80 to access northbound I-55.
  • One lane on northbound and southbound I-55 will reopen by 5 a.m., with all lanes and ramps open by 6 a.m. Tuesday.

Tuesday, July 21

  • Starting at 8 p.m., northbound and southbound I-55 will be reduced to one lane between Illinois 59 and U.S. 6.
  • Between midnight and 5 a.m., southboundI-55 will be fully closed at I-80.
  • During that time, a detour will direct southbound I-55 traffic to exit at westbound I-80 to southbound Ridge Road and reenter eastbound I-80 to access southbound I-55.
  • All lanes and ramps will reopen by 6 a.m. Wednesday.

As the I-80 reconstruction continues, the public should continue to expect lane shifts, overnight lane closures and significant delays and allow extra time for trips through this area. 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.

For more information, visit I80will.org. The mobile-friendly website features project information, photos, and the ability to submit questions and comments to the project team via a "Contact" link. Find traffic and road conditions at www.gettingaroundillinois.com. You also can follow IDOT on Facebook and X.

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Illinois Department of Transportation published this content on July 17, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on July 17, 2026 at 17:42 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]