State’s bridges are safe
State’s bridges undergo rigorous inspections
By OMER OSMAN
The Herald News
March 22, 2019
At the Illinois Department of Transportation, our top priority is safe and efficient transportation. We take this mission extremely seriously and work hard every day to provide our travelers with the best experience possible.
Recently, we’ve heard concerns regarding the health of the Interstate 80 bridges over the Des Plaines River.
We hear you and want to ensure we are being fully transparent as we move forward.
First, all of the state’s bridges that are open are safe for travel. If there are any bridges we believe to be unsafe, they are immediately closed.
These particular bridges in Joliet undergo a rigorous inspection schedule that goes above and beyond federal requirements. The results, which are shared online with the public and reviewed for concurrence by the Federal Highway Administration, show that these are older bridges requiring a greater level of monitoring and maintenance.
The ratings that have been widely reported actually are the “sufficiency rating” that evaluate many different factors. The condition of the bridge is one factor, but others, such as lack of shoulders, insufficient number of lanes and older design, contribute to the low rating and do not indicate a bridge is unsafe. Older bridges, built in areas that have experienced rapid growth and without the benefit of modern engineering and design, typically receive among the lower sufficiency ratings.
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.