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
I-80 Westbound Report
I-80 Eastbound Report
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.
Des Plaines Bridges News
Joliet Bridge Still Showing ‘Permanent Deformation’ Worrying Engineers
It’s a story we brought you first on CBS 2 about a bridge in Joliet with one of the worst structural ratings in the state.
State Rep. Walsh calls for emergency repairs to I-80 bridge
State Rep. Larry Walsh Jr., D-Elwood, released a statement Tuesday calling for emergency repairs to the Interstate 80 bridge over the Des Plaines River in Joliet.
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.”
Deteriorating I-80 bridges at Joliet worry officials
The discovery of cracks in steel beams along Lake Shore Drive this week raised alarms about other problem bridges.