Wheeler Ave. Closing Most Of 2023: IDOT

JOLIET, IL —The Illinois Department of Transportation announced on Thursday that a project to replace the bridge carrying Wheeler Avenue over Interstate 80 in Joliet will require a full closure of Wheeler Avenue, between Woods and Park avenues.

The closure will begin Monday, March 20 and last through early November. The project is part of advance work leading to the $1.2 billion reconstruction of Interstate 80 through Will County.

IDOT announced that a posted detour will direct motorists to Meadow Avenue, Larkin Avenue and to Jefferson Street. Motorists should also expect occasional overnight lane closures on I-80 at the bridge during that time.

According to IDOT:

• The $5.7 million project will replace the existing bridge with a new structure that will accommodate the widening of I-80 under the bridge, new storm sewers and ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps will also be installed.
• The project is anticipated to be completed in December.
• The overall I-80 project will redesign and rebuild 16 miles from Ridge Road, in Minooka, to U.S. 30, in Joliet and New Lenox, while adding or extending auxiliary lanes to improve safety and reduce congestion. Interchanges will be rebuilt or improved at Interstate 55, Illinois 7, Center Street, Chicago Street, Richards Street and Briggs Street, with a new flyover ramp linking southbound I-55 to eastbound I-80 to improve traffic flow and safety. More than 30 bridges will be rehabilitated or replaced, including those over the Des Plaines River.