I-55 Lane Closures This Weekend Near Joliet

CHANNAHON, IL — The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that patching and resurfacing of Interstate 55, from north of River Road, in Wilmington, to just north of the I&M Canal, in Channahon, will begin, weather permitting, Friday.

The closure, originally scheduled for last weekend, was postponed due to inclement weather, state officials said.

The work will initially require two consecutive weekend lane closures. Starting at 9 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday, I-55 between Interstate 80 and the Kankakee River will be reduced to one lane in each direction, IDOT said.

The same closures and hours will be in effect, weather permitting, the weekend of Friday, May 21.

Beginning May 24, motorists can expect various lane and partial ramp closures from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 9 p.m. Friday to 8 a.m. Saturday. At least one lane in each direction will remain open.

Due to the short nature of the closures, no detour will be posted. Alternative routes are encouraged.

The $8.1 million project, which consists of resurfacing the 8.5-mile stretch of Interstate 55, rumble strips and pavement striping, is expected to be completed in November.

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 be on the alert for workers and equipment, IDOT said.