Interstate 80 Project Includes Overnight Lane Closures

Interstate 80 Project Includes Overnight Lane Closures

By Bob Okon
The Herald News

Construction lane closure digital sign

Construction crews on Monday will begin getting Interstate 80 ready for the $1.2 billion project that includes replacing the Des Plaines River bridge.

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced Thursday that bridge deck patching and repairs to I-80 between Chicago and Briggs streets in Joliet will require overnight lane closures, followed by multiple weekend lane and ramp closures.

The work begins Monday, weather permitting, and will be done in several stages “to minimize the impact to traffic,” IDOT said in a news release.

Work next week will be done on three consecutive nights starting at 10 p.m. Monday. It includes installation of a temporary concrete barrier wall and rumble strips. Lane and shoulder closures will be required on both sides of I-80 from Chicago to Briggs streets.

Daytime traffic will not be impacted, IDOT said.

Shoulder closures will continue for about four to six weeks to accommodate temporary pavement construction as part of advance work to replace the eastbound I-80 bridges over Hickory Creek, Richards Street and Rowell Avenue/Canadian National Railroad, as well as the westbound bridge over Richards Street.

From 10 p.m. April 9 to 5 a.m. April 12, eastbound I-80, from east of Larkin Avenue to Briggs Street will be reduced to one lane. In addition, the entrance ramp from Chicago Street to eastbound I-80 will be closed with a detour directing traffic traveling east to use Richards Street to access I-80.

The same closures and hours will be in effect, weather permitting, the weekend of April 16 and, if needed, the weekend of April 23.

The weekend closures are necessary to make pavement repairs so the interstate can accommodate both directions of traffic when work on replacing the eastbound I-80 bridges begins later this spring.

The entire project includes reconstructing 16 miles of I-80 from Ridge Road in Minooka to U.S. 30 in New Lenox. Auxiliary lanes will be added.

Interchanges will be improved at Interstate 55, Larkin Avenue and Center, Chicago, Richards and Briggs streets.

 

Project News

The Houbolt Road Extension Project

The Houbolt Road Extension Project Website The Houbolt Road Extension JV, LLC is a business partnership between CenterPoint Properties and United Bridge Partners. Will County is one of the nation’s largest transportation hubs, with demand for freight projected to...

read more

I-80 Public Hearings

You're InvitedI-80 Ridge Road to US Route 30 Public Hearings Wed. Nov. 6, 2019Holiday Inn1472 Rock Creek BoulevardJoliet, IL 60431 Thurs. Nov. 7, 2019All Nation Church of GodCommunity Life Center503 Water StreetJoliet, IL 60436   Des Plaines Bridges News

read more

Highway Projects Everywhere

Will County sees bonanza of infrastructure improvements

The state highway improvement plan for the next five years has something big in store for every part of Will County.

The Interstate 80 project that has captured the most attention promises improved bridges, new interchanges and other improvements through Joliet to the western end of the county.

read more

J.B. barnstorms behind capital plan

Pritzker signed the capital bill and kicked off his day in East St. Louis, then continued on to the Lincoln Depot State Historic Site in Springfield and held another event in the afternoon within sight of the infamous Interstate 80 bridge across the Des Plaines River, set to be replaced as part of $1.2 billion in the plan earmarked for multiple bridge replacements and road upgrades in Joliet and Will County.

read more

Traffic Shifts For I-80-US 30 Interchange Reconstruction

The new interchange is expected to be complete in late 2021.

NEW LENOX, IL — Traffic will be shifted for the reconstruction of the I-80 – US 30 interchange in New Lenox starting June 3. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, traffic will be shifted to the right on the eastbound lanes between Gougar and Francis roads during the overnight hours on Monday, weather permitting.

read more

I-80 Through Joliet Big Winner In Illinois Budget

Included in a statewide construction plan that addresses hospitals, schools and roadways will be funding dedicated to repairs ensuring the long-term safety of the I-80 bridge spanning the Des Plaines River. The plan passed with support from State Senators Pat McGuire and Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant.

read more

The Houbolt Road Extension Project is Moving Forward

The Houbolt Road Extension Project is Moving Forward

Project Completion Projected for Early 2023

Houbolt bridge drawing

An artist’s rendering of the future Houbolt Road bridge.

Houbolt Road Extension JV, LLC (“HRE-JV”), a joint venture between United Bridge Partners and CenterPoint Properties, entered into a lease agreement with the City of Joliet and commenced construction on the Houbolt Road Extension (“HRE”) Project on March 8, 2021.

The privately financed project involves designing and constructing a new 1.5-mile-long highway extension, including a 0.4-mile-long bridge over the Des Plaines River. HRE-JV will finance, construct, operate, and maintain the bridge while collecting bridge tolls under a 99-year lease agreement with the City of Joliet. The project will provide a direct route between I-80 and CIC Joliet, and the UP and BNSF Intermodal Facilities.

The project will deliver the following improvements:

  • Design and construction of a new four-lane concrete 1.5-mile bridge and roadway, which will be outfitted with an Illinois Toll Highway compatible collection system, including a 0.4-mile bridge over the Des Plaines River with two lanes in each direction and a dedicated pedestrian/bicycle path.
  • Turning and merging lanes from Houbolt Road to Schweitzer Road and US Route 6
  • A signalized intersection at Vetter and Schweitzer Roads.
  • Grading for pedestrian/bicycle path parallel to the new roadway on Houbolt Road.

The State of Illinois and City of Joliet will construct a new diverging diamond interchange at I-80 and Houbolt Road and reconstruct Houbolt Road from I-80 to US Route 6. The construction completion of this public project is expected to align with the expected completion of the HRE Project in 2023.

“On behalf of the City of Joliet, this project has won our support and we’re happy to get it started, as it will be a big step forward to mitigating truck traffic on local roads,” said Bob O’Dekirk, Mayor of Joliet.

“We are excited to commence construction on the HRE Project. As the CenterPoint Intermodal Center has continued to grow and expand, we have focused our attention on finding innovative solutions for local infrastructure, improving truck traffic flow, enhancing safety and reducing congestion in and around the Business Park,” said Michael Murphy, CenterPoint Properties’ Chief Development Officer.

The privately funded project will create an alternative route from I-80 into the CenterPoint Intermodal Center (“CIC”). The new route provides direct access to I-80, rerouting truck traffic off local roads like Route 53, returning these roads to the residents and surrounding communities for their daily use, absent the congestion. The project, on the southern extension of Houbolt Road over the Des Plaines River, will be paid for, operated, and maintained by HRE-JV.

“We are thrilled about this next phase of the Houbolt Road Extension. It takes all of us even closer to delivering greater safety, efficiency, and prosperity for the City of Joliet and its surrounding areas,” said Doug Witt, President and CEO of United Bridge Partners. “United Bridge Partners builds bridges that enhance great communities, and we look forward to the many positive contributions this project will provide the City of Joliet for years to come.”

The HRE-JV selected the Granite / Kraemer – A Joint Venture (“GK-JV”) team as the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (“EPC”) contractor through a best value procurement process to complete the Houbolt Road Extension project. Burns & McDonnell, a team member of GK-JV, has completed the design for the project’s bridge and roadway.

“The Houbolt Road Extension represents the shared commitment to the community on behalf of local and state agencies, local businesses, organizations and industry leaders. I commend the HRE-JV for their dedication to advance this project. It’s relationships like this that help alleviate truck traffic and I was happy to sponsor needed legislation for this when I was in the Senate,” said Will County Executive, Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant.

For more information and project updates, visit www.houboltroadextension.com.

About CenterPoint Properties:

CenterPoint Properties is focused on developing, acquiring and managing industrial property and transportation infrastructure enhancing supply chain efficiency. The Company invests in major coastal and inland port logistics markets anchoring North America’s principal freight lanes. For more information on CenterPoint Properties, visit centerpoint.com or follow @centerpointprop on Twitter.

About United Bridge Partners:

United Bridge Partners is a pure play private bridge financing, construction, operations, and maintenance company in the United States. The Company believes in investing in the communities in which they operate, through job creation with local labor and local materials, through contributions to local charities and businesses, and by building and operating their projects with the highest environmental standards.

For more information visit www.unitedbridgepartners.com.

Project News

The Houbolt Road Extension Project

The Houbolt Road Extension Project Website The Houbolt Road Extension JV, LLC is a business partnership between CenterPoint Properties and United Bridge Partners. Will County is one of the nation’s largest transportation hubs, with demand for freight projected to...

read more

IDOT 5-year plan includes big improvements on I-80, I-55 in Will County

The Illinois Department of Transportation on Tuesday released a $21.3 billion five-year highway improvement plan with five major projects in Will County. The plan includes $3.2 billion in spending for fiscal year 2021, but IDOT warned that funding could be curtailed because of the impact of COVID-19 on the economy.

read more

I-80 Public Hearings

You're InvitedI-80 Ridge Road to US Route 30 Public Hearings Wed. Nov. 6, 2019Holiday Inn1472 Rock Creek BoulevardJoliet, IL 60431 Thurs. Nov. 7, 2019All Nation Church of GodCommunity Life Center503 Water StreetJoliet, IL 60436   Des Plaines Bridges News

read more

J.B. barnstorms behind capital plan

Pritzker signed the capital bill and kicked off his day in East St. Louis, then continued on to the Lincoln Depot State Historic Site in Springfield and held another event in the afternoon within sight of the infamous Interstate 80 bridge across the Des Plaines River, set to be replaced as part of $1.2 billion in the plan earmarked for multiple bridge replacements and road upgrades in Joliet and Will County.

read more

I-80 Through Joliet Big Winner In Illinois Budget

Included in a statewide construction plan that addresses hospitals, schools and roadways will be funding dedicated to repairs ensuring the long-term safety of the I-80 bridge spanning the Des Plaines River. The plan passed with support from State Senators Pat McGuire and Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant.

read more

The Houbolt Road Extension Project

The Houbolt Road Extension Project Website

The Houbolt Road Extension JV, LLC is a business partnership between CenterPoint Properties and United Bridge Partners.

houbolt extension logo

Houbolt bridge drawing

Will County is one of the nation’s largest transportation hubs, with demand for freight projected to double in the Chicago Metropolitan area over the next 20 years. The Houbolt Road Extension is a privately financed 1.5-mile long extension of Houbolt Road from US 6 to Schweitzer Road with a new bridge over the Des Plaines River. This new access route for trucks is the result of years of collaboration and thoughtful planning, and will ensure the industry remains a driver of jobs and revenue for Will County while protecting our community.

The partnership has launched a website at houboltroadextension.com for updates and information on the extension project.

 

Project News

The Houbolt Road Extension Project

The Houbolt Road Extension Project Website The Houbolt Road Extension JV, LLC is a business partnership between CenterPoint Properties and United Bridge Partners. Will County is one of the nation’s largest transportation hubs, with demand for freight projected to...

read more

IDOT 5-year plan includes big improvements on I-80, I-55 in Will County

The Illinois Department of Transportation on Tuesday released a $21.3 billion five-year highway improvement plan with five major projects in Will County. The plan includes $3.2 billion in spending for fiscal year 2021, but IDOT warned that funding could be curtailed because of the impact of COVID-19 on the economy.

read more

I-80 Public Hearings

You're InvitedI-80 Ridge Road to US Route 30 Public Hearings Wed. Nov. 6, 2019Holiday Inn1472 Rock Creek BoulevardJoliet, IL 60431 Thurs. Nov. 7, 2019All Nation Church of GodCommunity Life Center503 Water StreetJoliet, IL 60436   Des Plaines Bridges News

read more

J.B. barnstorms behind capital plan

Pritzker signed the capital bill and kicked off his day in East St. Louis, then continued on to the Lincoln Depot State Historic Site in Springfield and held another event in the afternoon within sight of the infamous Interstate 80 bridge across the Des Plaines River, set to be replaced as part of $1.2 billion in the plan earmarked for multiple bridge replacements and road upgrades in Joliet and Will County.

read more

I-80 Through Joliet Big Winner In Illinois Budget

Included in a statewide construction plan that addresses hospitals, schools and roadways will be funding dedicated to repairs ensuring the long-term safety of the I-80 bridge spanning the Des Plaines River. The plan passed with support from State Senators Pat McGuire and Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant.

read more

Construction of Houbolt Road bridge in Joliet planned for September

Construction of Houbolt Road bridge in Joliet planned for September

By BOB OKON | Herald News

Model of Hoboult Bridge

Construction of a future Houbolt Road bridge could start in September now that a lease agreement from the public-private project has been approved.

The Joliet City Council on Tuesday approved an agreement that will make the city owners of a toll bridge over the Des Plaines River to be built, operated and maintained by a private partnership created by CenterPoint Properties.

The bridge has been estimated to cost anywhere from $150 million to $200 million to build,

Mayor Bob O’Dekirk, who pegged the potential cost at $180 million to $200 million, called it “the single biggest private investment in the community.”

Several representatives from United Bridge Partners and CenterPoint, who have formed the joint venture named Houbolt Road Extension JV, were at the meeting. But they limited their comments to one sentence on the likely timetable for the bridge opening.

“We’re hoping end of the year 2022,” CenterPoint CEO Michael Murphy said. “That could roll into spring 2023 with construction starting in September.”

Read the full article at HeraldNews.com

Construction News

Houbolt Bridge Construction Ready to Go

Construction of the Houbolt Road bridge is expected to start within the next couple of weeks. “We’re a full go as of today,” Michael Murphy, chief development officer for CenterPoint Properties said Tuesday.

read more

The Houbolt Road Extension Project

The Houbolt Road Extension Project Website The Houbolt Road Extension JV, LLC is a business partnership between CenterPoint Properties and United Bridge Partners. Will County is one of the nation’s largest transportation hubs, with demand for freight projected to...

read more

IDOT 5-year plan includes big improvements on I-80, I-55 in Will County

The Illinois Department of Transportation on Tuesday released a $21.3 billion five-year highway improvement plan with five major projects in Will County. The plan includes $3.2 billion in spending for fiscal year 2021, but IDOT warned that funding could be curtailed because of the impact of COVID-19 on the economy.

read more

I-80 Public Hearings

You're InvitedI-80 Ridge Road to US Route 30 Public Hearings Wed. Nov. 6, 2019Holiday Inn1472 Rock Creek BoulevardJoliet, IL 60431 Thurs. Nov. 7, 2019All Nation Church of GodCommunity Life Center503 Water StreetJoliet, IL 60436   Des Plaines Bridges News

read more

J.B. barnstorms behind capital plan

Pritzker signed the capital bill and kicked off his day in East St. Louis, then continued on to the Lincoln Depot State Historic Site in Springfield and held another event in the afternoon within sight of the infamous Interstate 80 bridge across the Des Plaines River, set to be replaced as part of $1.2 billion in the plan earmarked for multiple bridge replacements and road upgrades in Joliet and Will County.

read more

I-80 Public Hearings

You’re Invited
I-80 Ridge Road to US Route 30 Public Hearings

Wed. Nov. 6, 2019
Holiday Inn
1472 Rock Creek Boulevard
Joliet, IL 60431

Thurs. Nov. 7, 2019
All Nation Church of God
Community Life Center
503 Water Street
Joliet, IL 60436

 

Des Plaines Bridges News

IDOT insists I-80 bridge in Joliet is safe

The state on Thursday declared the Interstate 80 bridge over the Des Plaines River in Joliet is safe despite an inspection report describing sections as “critical,” “intolerable” and a “high priority for replacement.”

read more

IDOT Holds Informational Meetings For Residents That Will Be Affected By I-80 Reconfiguration

IDOT Holds Informational Meetings For Residents That Will Be Affected By I-80 Reconfiguration

IDOT has been meeting with residents who live around I-80 and the Des Plaines River during Phase 1 of the I-80 reconfiguration. IDOT met with resident this past June and September. Tony Quigley from IDOT says they’re informing residents who own land there, the process for expropriation. Quigley says residents were calm and understanding at the meetings.

To read more and hear the entire interview including updates on Route 30 and the Houbolt interchange click here.

wjol.com

I-80 Coalition News

The Houbolt Road Extension Project

The Houbolt Road Extension Project Website The Houbolt Road Extension JV, LLC is a business partnership between CenterPoint Properties and United Bridge Partners. Will County is one of the nation’s largest transportation hubs, with demand for freight projected to...

read more

IDOT 5-year plan includes big improvements on I-80, I-55 in Will County

The Illinois Department of Transportation on Tuesday released a $21.3 billion five-year highway improvement plan with five major projects in Will County. The plan includes $3.2 billion in spending for fiscal year 2021, but IDOT warned that funding could be curtailed because of the impact of COVID-19 on the economy.

read more

I-80 Public Hearings

You're InvitedI-80 Ridge Road to US Route 30 Public Hearings Wed. Nov. 6, 2019Holiday Inn1472 Rock Creek BoulevardJoliet, IL 60431 Thurs. Nov. 7, 2019All Nation Church of GodCommunity Life Center503 Water StreetJoliet, IL 60436   Des Plaines Bridges News

read more

Highway Projects Everywhere

Will County sees bonanza of infrastructure improvements

The state highway improvement plan for the next five years has something big in store for every part of Will County.

The Interstate 80 project that has captured the most attention promises improved bridges, new interchanges and other improvements through Joliet to the western end of the county.

read more

J.B. barnstorms behind capital plan

Pritzker signed the capital bill and kicked off his day in East St. Louis, then continued on to the Lincoln Depot State Historic Site in Springfield and held another event in the afternoon within sight of the infamous Interstate 80 bridge across the Des Plaines River, set to be replaced as part of $1.2 billion in the plan earmarked for multiple bridge replacements and road upgrades in Joliet and Will County.

read more