The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has begun work on replacing the I-80 bridge over the Des Plaines River near Joliet. The $164 million project will replace the existing 1960s-era bridge with the new structure featuring wider lanes, enhanced shoulders, and an improved drainage system.

This new, concrete bridge will be located 300 ft north of the current bridge and is expected to be completed by 2028. The old bridge, which currently carries 80,000 vehicles daily, including 20% of heavy trucks, is scheduled to be demolished in 2029. The value of freight passing through Will County is $600 billion yearly.

This current project is part of the larger $1.3 billion project to rehabilitate I-80 in Illinois. This critical highway connects San Francisco to New Jersey and is part of one of the three coast-to-coast road networks.

The I-80 rehab in Illinois includes redesigning and rebuilding 16 miles of highway from Ridge Road in Minooka to U.S. 30 in Joliet and New Lenox. The project also involves rebuilding and improving interchanges at I-55, Larkin Avenue, Center Street, Chicago Street, Richards Street, and Briggs Streets. 

The project will renovate or replace over 30 bridges, including the twin Des Plaines River bridges. 

IDOT received 80% of the project cost from federal grants through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The state motor fuel taxes will cover the remaining funds. 

IDOT will maintain two lanes of traffic in each direction to ease congestion and allow smooth traffic flow. This project has made provisions for new noise protection, improved lighting arrangements, and pedestrian and bicycle crossings.

Terry D’Arcy, mayor of Joliet, commented, “The reconstruction of the Des Plaines River bridge and surrounding I-80 corridor will strengthen a critical transportation route that serves residents, businesses, and commerce throughout the country.” 

Illinois has been investing heavily in improving state infrastructure, totaling $50.6 billion, of which $32.5 billion is allocated to roads and bridges. 

Over the next six years, IDOT will improve 7,107 miles of highway and 8.4 million square feet of bridge decks as part of Rebuild Illinois, while investing $33.2 billion into all transportation modes. 

Governor JB Pritzker said, “Illinois has undertaken a full-scale revitalization of infrastructure systems across our state, and I’m proud to see the final phase of our vital I-80 corridor modernization project get underway.”  He continued, “In every corner of the state, Rebuild Illinois has put tens of thousands of people to work to transform our infrastructure and deliver real results for the People of Illinois.”

The state’s transportation secretary said, “The start of construction on these bridges represents not just another huge milestone for I-80, but more jobs, improved safety, and enhanced quality of life for the region and the state.”