I-80 Coalition

A collection of reports and updates on the safety and reconstruction of the Des Plaines Illinois River Bridges.

Des Plaines River Bridges Joliet, Illinois

The Interstate 80 bridges spanning the Des Plaines River in Joliet were first constructed in 1965, and subsequently reconstructed in 1998

The dual bridges span 2,300 feet in length, carrying more than 85,000 vehicles a day, and provide a vital link for both local east-west mobility through Will County and to the national freight system

The existing Des Plaines River Bridge structure is a truss bridge, which cannot be widened to add lanes or shoulders from the current 3-lane configuration

Ratings/Reports

IDOT inspection report information for the Des Plaines River Bridges – Spring 2018

Des Plaines River Bridge Design Alternatives

IDOT is reviewing alternative bridge designs as part of the Interstate 80 Ridge Rd. to US Rt. 30 Project.

North

South

Refined North

Des Plaines Bridges News

I-80 bridge work in Joliet begins June 28

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that a $48 million project to replace the eastbound Interstate 80 bridges over Hickory Creek, Richards Street, Rowell Avenue/Canadian National Railroad, and westbound over Richards Street, in Joliet, Rockdale and New Lenox, will begin, weather permitting, Monday, June 28.

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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.

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Overnight lane closures on I-80 bridges in Joliet

Overnight lane closures on I-80 bridges in Joliet CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that an ongoing repair project on the Interstate 80 bridges over the Des Plaines River, in Joliet, will require occasional overnight lane closures starting,...

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State inspects I80 bridges again

Governor has proposed funding for aging infrastructure’s replacement

Inspectors this week are completing an annual examination of the Interstate 80 bridges that state officials say is done to assure they are safe to drive on, despite the need for repairs.

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