Deteriorating I-80 bridges at Joliet worry officials
Mary Wisniewski Chicago Tribune
Feb. 15, 2019
The east-side span of Interstate 80 near the Des Plaines River in Joliet is seen in this photo taken Tuesday. Some of the most structurally worrisome bridges in the area are not in Chicago, but along the rapidly developing I-80 corridor in Will County. Abel Uribe, Chicago Tribune
JOLIET — The discovery of cracks in steel beams along Lake Shore Drive this week raised alarms about other problem bridges.
Two of the worst bridges in the state are along Interstate 80, crossing the Des Plaines River in Joliet, a rapidly developing area in Will County with heavy interstate truck traffic and distribution centers for companies like Amazon and Dollar Tree.
A prolonged shutdown of the bridges would be economically devastating. Joliet Mayor Bob O’Dekirk on Thursday said he is asking the city’s public safety officials to begin working with county, state and federal authorities to establish a specific plan of action in case of a partial or complete failure of the structures.
He is also pressing lawmakers for emergency funding to repair and replace the bridges. O’Dekirk warned that unless the Illinois or U.S. departments of transportation give the city a “definitive plan” for funding and repairing the bridges in the near future, he will order a diversion of vehicles away from it, warn motorists of potential dangers and advise on alternative routes.
“Do I think the bridge is going to fall in the river tomorrow, no, but these (IDOT) reports are pretty alarming,” said John Greuling, president and CEO of the Will County Center for Economic Development. “There are a lot of local folks who are concerned about this.”
IDOT said in a statement that short-term repairs for the bridges are planned for this spring, and that the bridges are safe for travel and do not need to be closed. The bridges are inspected every three months.
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.
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.
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,...
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.
I-80 Bridge Inspection Over Des Plaines River In Joliet Canceled Due To Weather
Due to the rainy weather the daily inspections for today, April 30th have been canceled.
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that regularly scheduled inspections of the Interstate 80 bridges over the Des Plaines River, in Joliet, will begin April 29, weather permitting.
Inspections Scheduled On I-80 Bridges Over Des Plaines River
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that regularly scheduled inspections of the Interstate 80 bridges over the Des Plaines River, in Joliet, will begin April 29, weather permitting.
State to begin inspecting I-80 bridges soon: IDOT
Regularly scheduled inspections of the Interstate 80 bridges over the Des Plaines River will begin Monday, April 29 in Joliet, ahead of larger repairs.
The worn steel city
Joliet, Ill., was at one time a true blue-collar city. Steel fabrication echoed through the streets of this river dwelling … a constant buzz was in the air.