Joliet Bridge Still Showing ‘Permanent Deformation’ Worrying Engineers’
By Megan Hickey
Channel 2 News
March 14, 2019
CHICAGO (CBS) — 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.
Now, engineers are talking about what makes bridge so dangerous. CBS 2’s Megan Hickey has the story from the I-80 Des Plaines River Bridge in Joliet.
The Illinois Department of Transportation has repeatedly said the bridge is safe, but state inspectors found it to be in such critical condition that it may require closure.
The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150 had been waiting patiently for the state report that details each of the structural deficiencies of the bridge.
What they got was…
“Black, black, black,” said the union’s Ed Maher, referring to the heavily redacted report. “Because it’s so bad, that it would be a threat if people knew how bad it was.”
Two documents filled with redactions. IDOT said that the photos and other details were covered up because they revealed vulnerabilities with the bridges.
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.