The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that regularly scheduled inspections of the I-80 bridges over the Des Plaines River, in Joliet, will begin April 29, weather permitting.

Daily lane closures will be required, starting with the westbound bridge until May 6, when inspections begin on the eastbound bridge. Inspections on both bridges are expected to be complete by May 11, weather permitting.

The closures will take place between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday and Saturdays, if necessary. A minimum of two lanes will remain open while inspections are taking place.

Motorists can expect delays and should 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 remain alert for workers and equipment.

The inspections are being done in conjunction with an upcoming yearlong maintenance project on both bridges. Any additional issues discovered during the inspections will be addressed once construction begins in the field later this summer.

The larger project, currently under contract, involves steel repairs and bearing replacements. The process for fabricating new parts as already begun, with work on the bridges expected to start in June or July. The repairs will be taking place under both structures, with any necessary lane closures scheduled at night to avoid disrupting traffic during the daytime hours.

The project will be finished next summer.

Click here to find details on other construction projects in IDOT’s District 1. Updates on the impacts to traffic are available at www.travelmidwest.com. 

Beginning at 7 a.m. on Monday, April 22, motorists traveling on I-35 from just south of the I-35W/I-35E split in Lino Lakes to MN-97 in Columbus will encounter off-peak lane closures and traffic shifts, as crews prepare to resurface the inside lanes of northbound I-35.

Northbound I-35 will be reduced to two lanes from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and southbound I-35 will be reduced to two lanes from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. There will also be off-peak lane closures on I-35W and I-35E, just south of the split. Northbound I-35W/I-35E from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. will be reduced to one lane, and southbound I35W/I-35E will be reduced to one lane from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Once the traffic shift is complete by 7 a.m. on Monday, April 29, motorists traveling on northbound I-35E will encounter a new traffic lane configuration. The left lane of northbound I-35E will be shifted to the southbound side of the freeway, south of the I-35W/I-35E split. Motorists exiting to MN-97 will need to stay in the right lane as they approach the construction zone.

Traffic delays and backups in the project area should be expected throughout the construction season. Motorists are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time to reach their destinations.

The work is part of the I-35 North Metro Split project, which includes resurfacing the existing pavement from the I-35W/I-35E split to MN-8; replacing the MN-97 bridge with a diverging diamond interchange;  replacing the northbound I-35W bridge over I-35E and the westbound MN-8 bridge over I-35. The project will provide a better ride quality, as well as improve safety and traffic flow at the MN-97 interchange. Additional information is available at www.mndot.gov/metro/projects/i35northmetrosplit.

Major construction for the project is expected to continue through fall 2019. Motorists should anticipate long-term lane closures during each year of construction. Check 511 for real-time traffic updates:  www.511mn.org 

Effective Monday, April 15, 2019, 6 a.m., weight restrictions will be lifted on all state trunkline highways from the southern Michigan border north to and including M-20 from the interchange with US-31, Oceana County, East on M-20 to US-131, North on US-131 to M-20, Mecosta County, East on M-20 to US-10, Midland County, East on US-10 to M-25 in Bay City and including the entire thumb area.. Frost restrictions are still in effect for the remainder of the state and will be imposed and enforced on all state trunkline highways north of the M-20, US-10 line.

State trunk line highways typically carry M, I, or US designations. Weight restriction information and updates may be obtained by calling 1-800-787-8960. For companies located in Canada or New Jersey, information may be obtained by calling 517-335-0023.

- On routes designated as "All Season Routes" (green or gold on the MDOT Truck Operators Map) there will be no reduction in legal axle weight.

- On routes designated as "Seasonal" (solid or dashed red on the MDOT Truck Operators Map) there will be a weight reduction of 25% for rigid pavements and 35% for flexible pavements.

Extended permits will be valid for oversize only in the weight restricted area.

Single trip permits will not be issued for overweight loads or loads exceeding 14 feet in width, 11 axles and 150 feet in overall length in the weight restricted area.

Detailed Weight Restriction information may be obtained by linking to www.michigan.gov/truckers.

Please refer to the MDOT Truck Operator's Map for route designations.


Spring Weight Restrictions:
http://mdotjboss.state.mi.us/APSWB/SWBHome.htm?bulletin=weight

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that construction will resume on the I-55-Weber Road interchange, in Bolingbrook and Romeoville, weather permitting, Thursday, April 11. Motorists traveling through this area should expect delays and plan accordingly.  

SPRING WEIGHT RESTRICTION BULLETIN #5, 2019

Effective Monday, April 8, 2019 at 6:00 AM, weight restrictions will be lifted from the southern Michigan border north to and including I-96 at the interchange of US-31, in the city of Muskegon, Muskegon County, then east on I-96 to I-69 in Clinton County, then continuing east on I-69 ending at the Blue Water Bridge in the city of Port Huron, St. Clair County. Frost restrictions are still in effect for the remainder of the state and will be imposed and enforced on all state trunkline highways north of the I-96, I-69 line.

State trunk line highways typically carry M, I, or US designations. Weight restriction information and updates may be obtained by calling 1-800-787-8960. For companies located in Canada or New Jersey, information may be obtained by calling 517-335-0023.

- On routes designated as "All Season Routes" (green or gold on the MDOT Truck Operators Map) there will be no reduction in legal axle weight.

- On routes designated as "Seasonal" (solid or dashed red on the MDOT Truck Operators Map) there will be a weight reduction of 25% for rigid pavements and 35% for flexible pavements.

Extended permits will be valid for oversize only in the weight restricted area.

Single trip permits will not be issued for overweight loads or loads exceeding 14 feet in width, 11 axles and 150 feet in overall length in the weight restricted area.

Detailed Weight Restriction information may be obtained by linking to www.michigan.gov/truckers.

Please refer to the MDOT Truck Operator's Map for route designations.

Spring Weight Restrictions: http://mdotjboss.state.mi.us/APSWB/SWBHome.htm?bulletin=weight

The weekend road and ramp closures in Washington County originally scheduled to begin Friday, April 12 (tonight) have been rescheduled for next week,

April 19-22, weather permitting.  The work and closures were rescheduled due to recent weather conditions.

Beginning at 8:00 pm, Friday, April 19, eastbound I-94 at the I-94/494/694 interchange will close to all traffic. Westbound I-94 will remain open.  In addition, the southbound I-694 to eastbound I-94 loop ramp and the eastbound I-94 to northbound I-694 loop ramp will also close.

Motorists will be directed to follow the posted detour of southbound I-494 to the Tamarack exit, then back onto northbound I-494.

Also, by 7 p.m. on that same evening, Friday, April 19, both directions of Tamarack Road between Weir Drive and Bielenberg Drive and the I-494 Tamarack Interchange ramps will be closed to local traffic and detoured to the Valley Creek Road Interchange to accommodate the eastbound I-94 detour.

All lanes and ramps will reopen by 5:00 a.m., Monday, April 22.

The Interstate 94/I-494/I-694 interchange and bridge reconstruction project is being done to provide a smoother, safer, long-lasting road with updated bridges and some mobility improvements. Performing periodic pavement repairs at the appropriate times can greatly increase a road’s lifespan. The project helps ensure MnDOT’s transportation system will continue to serve the state for many years. Construction is expected to be complete by fall 2020.

For more information about the project, visit: www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/i94-494-694/. Follow the project on Twitter @mndotnews for daily traffic updates.

For updated road condition information, call 511 or visit www.511mn.org.   

Temporary, full closures planned for bridge pier removal and bridge beam placement as part of interchange improvement project

Temporary, overnight ramp closures are scheduled this weekend on the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) at 159th Street in Markham for bridge replacement work. Additional closures on I-294 are scheduled in early April.

Electronic message signs will be put in place in advance to alert drivers. The temporary closures are necessary to provide a work zone to safely accommodate the repairs at the 159th Street Bridge.

On Friday, March 29, two northbound lanes on I-294 are scheduled to close at 8 p.m. Intermittent, full closures of the ramp carrying eastbound 159th Street to northbound I-294, each lasting 15 minutes, are scheduled to begin just after midnight, for bridge pier removal. Ramp closures are scheduled to end by 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 30. All lanes on I-294 are scheduled to reopen by 7 a.m.

On Saturday, March 30, two southbound lanes on I-294 are scheduled to close at 8 p.m. Intermittent, full closures of the ramp connecting southbound I-294 to eastbound 159th Street, each lasting 15 minutes,  are scheduled to begin just after midnight. Ramp closures are scheduled to end by 4:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 31. All lanes on I-294 are scheduled to reopen by 7 a.m.

In early April, overnight weekend lane closures on I-294 are scheduled for bridge beam placement. During those closures, two southbound lanes on I-294 are scheduled to close at 7 p.m. with a third lane closing at midnight. Intermittent, full closures of southbound I-294, each lasting 15 minutes, are scheduled to begin at midnight and be complete by 3:30 a.m. One lane in each direction is scheduled to remain closed through the weekend. A second night of similar closures in the northbound lanes will follow with intermittent, full closures of northbound I-294 scheduled to begin at 11 p.m.

In 2019, the Illinois Tollway is completing improvements at the 159th Street Interchange. Work on this project includes rebuilding the existing 159th Street Bridge and reconstructing four ramps at the 159th Street Interchange: southbound I-294 to eastbound 159th Street, eastbound 159th Street to northbound I-294, northbound I-294 to westbound 159th Street and westbound 159th Street to southbound I-294. Lighting and drainage structures will also be upgraded.

Currently, traffic on 159th Street is shifted and reduced to one lane in each direction and the ramps carrying traffic from westbound 159th Street to southbound I-294 and from northbound I-294 to westbound 159th Street are closed to traffic. Traffic is expected to remain in this configuration into summer 2019.

The 159th Street Bridge Project will extend the life of the interchange, increase traffic capacity and provide safe and convenient travel for Tollway customers. More than 13,000 vehicles use this interchange daily.

Maps, construction and detour information about the 159th Street Bridge Project is available on the Tollway’s website at illinoistollway.com via the Interactive Tollway Map and under “Projects Overview” in the Projects section.

The project is being coordinated with the Illinois Department of Transportation, Cook County and local fire and police departments.  

Detour will be posted for southbound County Line Road

A portion of southbound County Line Road in Elmhurst will be closed temporarily beginning next week for utility work related to the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Project. A detour will be posted.

Weather permitting, during the week of March 25, southbound County Line Road between Grand Avenue and Romans Road, located north of North Avenue, will close. A detour will be posted routing southbound County Line Road traffic to Northwest Avenue via Grand Avenue. Northbound County Line Road traffic will remain open.

This closure is scheduled to last into summer. Additional closures in the area are scheduled through 2020 to realign a portion of County Line Road to accommodate the reconstruction and widening of the Central Tri-State Tollway and for construction of a new ramp that will connect Southbound I-294 to County Line Road thereby providing new access to North Avenue and Lake Street. The new ramp construction is part of the North Avenue Interchange Project. 

When completed, the North Avenue Interchange Project will provide a new ramp from southbound I-294 to County Line Road to help reduce congestion at the interchange and on local roads. In addition, the North Avenue and Lake Street (U.S. Route 20) intersection will be reconfigured to improve traffic flow and provide new direct access to eastbound North Avenue.

In addition, drainage improvements are planned to help alleviate flooding in the area during periods of heavy rainfall. Construction of detention ponds to hold stormwater and the installation of storm sewers will help address flooding along North Avenue. In partnership with the Illinois Tollway and cities of Northlake and Elmhurst, Cook County is leading the project's design and will be constructing the project improvements.

Construction information about the North Avenue Project is available on the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways website at cookcountyil.gov/service/construction-schedule 

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) announces that work will begin Monday, March 18, on an intersection improvement at US-20 and IN-2 in Rolling Prairie.

This project will see a “dogbone” interchange built at this location, eliminating the traffic signal and creating a bridge carrying motorists north-south with east-west traffic passing underneath. Roundabouts will be placed at the north and south ends of the newly-constructed bridge, creating the so-called “dogbone”.

During the project, the corridor will be closed to north-south (LaPorte to New Carlisle) traffic between CR N 500 E and Oak Knoll Road, while east-west traffic (Michigan City to South Bend) will be one lane in each direction from Oak Knoll Road to CR N 600 E.

State road detours must use state-maintained roads only. Drivers wanting to leave LaPorte on IN-2 must instead detour north on US-35, then north on IN-39 and east on US-20 back to the US-20/IN- 2 intersection. Drivers who would be approaching the US-20/IN-2 intersection from the New Carlisle side must instead utilize the US-20/US-31 bypass (St. Joseph Valley Parkway) by travelling south on the bypass, then west on IN-2 to reach the US-20/IN-2 intersection.

The project is expected to wrap up in mid-November.

Drivers in Northwest Indiana can monitor road closures, road conditions, and traffic alerts at any time via the District’s social media channels: www.Facebook.com/INDOTNorthwest or Twitter @INDOTNorthwest. Or visit http://www.trafficwise.in.gov for INDOT’s TrafficWise Traveler Information Service.  

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) announces that a bridge replacement project is set to begin Monday, March 4, on the 101st Avenue bridge over I-65 in Crown Point. The project is set to wrap up in early August.

During the project, 101st Avenue will be closed and there will be overnight lane restrictions on I-65 over the next couple weeks for bridge demolition, from approximately 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.

A detour will be in place for 101st Avenue. Eastbound drivers will detour north on IN-53 (Broadway), east on 93rd Avenue and south on Mississippi Street back to 101st Avenue. Westbound drivers will detour north on Mississippi Street, west on 93rd Avenue and south on IN-53 (Broadway) back to 101st.

Drivers in Northwest Indiana can monitor road closures, road conditions, and traffic alerts at any time via the District’s social media channels: www.Facebook.com/INDOTNorthwest or Twitter @INDOTNorthwest. Or visit http://www.trafficwise.in.gov for INDOT’s TrafficWise Traveler Information Service.