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Press Release - Wednesday, October 03, 2018
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Construction begins at I-55 and Weber Road
CHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that the reconstruction of the Interstate 55-Weber Road interchange and other capacity improvements begin on Thursday, Oct. 4. The $68 million project in Romeoville and Bolingbrook will improve travel times and cut down on crashes in a high-growth area.
"This project will solve a longtime issue with safety and congestion along Weber Road, while helping to promote and manage economic activity and job creation in one of the state's fastest growing areas," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn. "These improvements will go a long way toward addressing transportation issues, but also enhance the quality of life for local residents."
Starting Thursday, weather permitting, Weber Road approaching I-55 will be reduced to one lane in each direction during off-peak hours to prepare the work zone with temporary pavement, traffic signals and lighting. The temporary measures are necessary so Weber Road can remain two lanes in each direction until the project wraps up in late 2021.
The closures will take place this fall and next spring, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., with some overnight closures from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and be on the alert for workers and equipment.
The larger improvements, scheduled to begin in late spring, consist of adding a third lane to each direction of Weber Road between 135th Street/Romeo Road and 119th Street/Rodeo Road, with modernized traffic signals and a barrier median.
The Weber Road interchange with I-55 will be rebuilt in a diverging diamond design, the second by IDOT in the Chicago area. By essentially routing traffic to the opposite side of the road and eliminating left turns across traffic, the design has helped to cut the number of crashes in half in some locations. To accommodate the new design, a second Weber Road bridge will be built over I-55.
A simulation of how the interchange will work can be viewed on IDOT's YouTube channel or by clicking here.
