The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will be host to two public hearings in Joliet to share details on proposed improvements to Interstate 80, a cornerstone project in governor JB Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois capital program that will invest $33.2 Billion in transportation infrastructure across all modes throughout the State.
“The I-80 corridor unfortunately has become a symbol for the lack of investment in our key roads and bridges in Illinois,” said acting illinois transportation secretary Omer Osman. “We look forward to making these much-needed improvements that will strengthen the economy and enhance safety in a critical part of our state.”
The hearings will be in an open-house format at the following times and locations:
• Wednesday, Nov. 6, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Holiday Inn & Suites, 1472 Rock Creek Boulevard, Joliet;
• Thursday, Nov. 7, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., All Nation Church of God Community Life Center, 503 Water Street, Joliet.
At the hearings, IDOT will present the preliminary plans to reconstruct 16 miles of I-80, from Ridge Road in Minooka to U.S. 30 in Joliet and New Lenox. The preferred alternative to rebuild the corridor, recently approved by the Federal Highway Administration, includes adding or extending auxiliary lanes to improve safety and reduce congestion, as well as replacing the Des Plaines River bridges in Joliet and improving interchanges at Interstate 55, Illinois 7, Center Street, U.S. 52/Illinois 53, Richards Street and Briggs Street.
Complete details can be found at www.i-80will.com.
Exhibits will be on display and an audio-visual presentation will be shown continuously during the hearings. Staff from IDOT will be available to discuss the project and answer questions.
The estimated $1.2 Billion in improvements for I-80 are included in IDOT’s new multi-year plan, which calls for investing $23.5 Billion in the state’s roads and bridges over the next six years. Construction is tentative to begin on I-80 in three years.
Visit www.idot.illinois.gov/about-idot/stay-connected/news-releases/Construction/releases to find details on other construction projects in IDOT’s District 1. Updates on the impacts to traffic are available at www.travelmidwest.com.
For IDOT District 1 updates on Twitter, follow us at twitter.com/IDOTDistrict1.
— Illinois Department of Transportation