Q. Why is this project necessary?

A. Originally built in the late 1950s and early 1960s, the Bishop Ford Freeway last underwent major resurfacing and bridge repairs in the late 2000s. After more than 15 years of heavy traffic and weather exposure, many roadway and bridge components now require more extensive rehabilitation. Several bridges along the corridor have reached a point where more significant repairs are needed to keep them safe and reliable, and routine patching is no longer enough. The roadway pavement also shows heavy wear, including potholes and surface damage that affect driving conditions.

In addition, aging drainage systems, overhead signs, lighting and traffic equipment need upgrades to improve visibility, ease congestion and give drivers clearer information about traffic and incidents ahead. 

Q. What are the major benefits of this project? 

A. This project will provide safer, more reliable travel along the corridor and extend the service life of critical infrastructure. Motorists can expect fewer unexpected repairs, improved visibility, better management of traffic incidents and more dependable travel conditions over the long term. 

Q. What is the scope of the work being done?

A. The project includes rehabilitation of 8 bridges, with major work at key interchanges. Improvements will include bridge deck and structural repairs, pavement patching and surface rehabilitation, drainage system cleaning and maintenance LED lighting enhancements, guardrail and barrier improvements at bridges, sign structure repairs or replacements, and upgraded traffic monitoring systems. 

Q. What are the limits of this project? 

A. The project is located along approximately 9.8 miles of the Bishop Ford Freeway (Interstate 94), extending from Martin Luther King Drive on the north to U.S. Route 6 (159th Street) on the south. The work spans multiple communities along the corridor, including portions of the city of Chicago and several south suburban municipalities. 

Q. How long will the project last?

A. Preliminary work began in late 2025, including early patching and preparatory activities. Major construction is scheduled to occur over two primary construction seasons in 2026 and 2027, with the entire project expected to be completed by the end of 2027. 

Q. When will construction begin? 

A. Major staged construction is anticipated to begin in early spring 2026, weather permitting.

Q. How will this project affect my daily commute? 

A. During the 2026 construction season, eastbound (outbound) I-94 will be reduced to two lanes through the southern portion of the project, while westbound (inbound) traffic will generally maintain full capacity with minor lane shifts. In 2027, the traffic pattern will reverse, with westbound traffic reduced to two lanes and eastbound traffic restored to full capacity. Motorists should expect increased congestion in the reduced-lane direction during peak commuting periods.

Q. Should motorists expect longer travel times, and by how much? 

A. Yes. Travel times may increase in the direction operating with reduced lanes, particularly during peak commuting hours. Delays will vary based on traffic volumes, weather and incidents. To help manage congestion, the project includes enhanced traffic monitoring and 24-hour service patrols to quickly respond to crashes or disabled vehicles that can contribute to delays.

Q. Will traffic patterns change during weekends or overnight? 

A. Yes. In addition to the primary staged traffic patterns, temporary overnight and weekend lane closures may be required to complete certain structural and pavement repairs. These activities are scheduled during off-peak periods whenever possible to reduce daytime impacts. Motorists should remain alert for changing traffic conditions when traveling through active work zones.

Q. How will emergency vehicles access the area during construction? 

A. Emergency access will be maintained. Designated openings within barrier walls and maintenance-of-traffic access points will provide flexibility for emergency response when needed. The project team is coordinating in advance with local police, fire and EMS agencies prior to each stage change or detour to support route planning and maintain response times.

Q. What are the impacts of the Michigan City Road and 154th Street bridges? 

A. Work on the Michigan City Road and 154th Street bridges over I-94 requires full bridge closures during portions of the 2026 construction season. Traffic will be detoured using designated arterial and local roadways, with posted signage directing motorists along the approved routes. I-94 will remain open beneath these bridges, although lane restrictions may be in place during certain operations. 

Q. What are the impacts of the U.S. Route 6 (159th Street) bridge work?

A. Construction at the U.S. Route 6 (159th Street) bridge is scheduled for the 2027 season and will be completed in stages to maintain traffic across the structure. Lane reductions and traffic shifts will be required on 159th Street during active construction. Periodic lane closures may also occur on I-94 beneath the bridge to accommodate structural repairs. 

Q. Will detours change throughout the project, or remain consistent? 

A. Detours may change as construction progresses and traffic control shifts between stages. Full bridge detours at locations such as Michigan City Road and 154th Street are expected to remain generally consistent during their closure periods. In addition, temporary ramp closures and short term detours may be required at other interchanges for specific operations, typically lasting several days. These shorter-term changes will vary based on the work being performed.

Q. Will detours impact local streets and neighborhoods? 

A. Access to local streets and neighborhoods will be maintained throughout construction. However, designated detour routes may result in increased traffic volumes on certain arterial and local roadways during active closure periods. Motorists traveling in these areas should anticipate heavier traffic conditions while detours are in place.

Q. How will detours affect bus routes and transit services? 

A. No permanent changes to bus routes or transit services are anticipated. However, buses traveling along designated detour corridors may experience delays during active closure periods. Transit agencies are being notified in advance to allow for coordination as needed. 

Q. What should motorists expect when traveling through active construction zones? 

A. Motorists should expect reduced speeds, narrowed lanes, lane shifts and temporary closures within active work areas. Traffic patterns may change as construction progresses. Drivers are encouraged to remain attentive, follow posted signage and allow additional time when traveling through the corridor.

Q. Will businesses remain accessible during construction? 

A. Yes. Access to businesses will be maintained throughout construction. While traffic patterns may shift in certain areas, no direct business access closures are anticipated. 

Q. Who should businesses contact if access issues arise? 

A. Businesses with access concerns may contact the project team using the dedicated DOT.BishopFord@illinois.gov project email address listed on the https://idot.click/Bishop-Ford. Inquiries will be reviewed and coordinated with field staff as needed.

Q. Who is involved in this project? 

A. The project is being led by the Illinois Department of Transportation and delivered in coordination with the construction contractor, engineering and inspection teams, as well as supporting agencies. Local municipalities and public safety partners are also engaged to support traffic operations and community coordination throughout construction. 

Q. How will the public be informed about traffic changes and construction updates? 

A. Traffic changes and construction updates will be shared through the https://idot.click/Bishop-Ford and official communication channels and social media. Advance notifications will also be provided for major closures, detours and stage changes to help motorists plan accordingly.

Q. How can motorists, residents and businesses provide feedback or raise concerns? 

A. Motorists, residents and businesses may submit questions or concerns to the project team using the dedicated project email address: DOT.BishopFord@illinois.gov.

Q. Where can I find the most up-to-date project information?

A. The most current information, including construction progress, upcoming work activities and traffic updates, will be available on the https://idot.click/Bishop-Ford.