By Nick Gale, WLS-AM 890 News
(CHICAGO) — The Illinois Department of Transportation announced Wednesday that the reconstruction of the Interstate 55-Weber Road interchange and other capacity improvements begin on Thursday, Oct. 4. IDOT says 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.”
But some of those who have the intersection in their daily commute could see congestion. 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. IDOT says 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 the area.
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. 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.
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