IDOT Warns of Traffic Impacts During Next Stage of I-80 Construction in Joliet

The most complex part of the 16-mile project is set to begin in early March, with lane reductions and ramp closures ahead.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has announced the next phase of the long-term Interstate 80 construction project in Joliet, which is set to begin in the first or second week of March. This stage will focus on the Chicago Street Interchange and is described as the most complex portion of the entire 16-mile project. Drivers should expect significant traffic impacts, including lane reductions on Chicago Street and ramp closures on I-80.

Why it matters

The I-80 corridor in Joliet carries about 80,000 vehicles daily, with 25% of that being freight traffic. The aging infrastructure, including dozens of bridges that need full replacement, has led to heavy congestion, merging issues, and safety concerns. This construction project aims to deliver a safer and more reliable I-80 corridor for decades to come.

The details

During the next stage, which is expected to last about a month, Chicago Street will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Doris Avenue and McDonough Street. This will allow workers to build temporary pavement to accommodate the traffic shifts. Later in the summer, there will be additional ramp closures on I-80, and a third stage with more ramp closures is also planned. The $1.3 billion project is currently about 60% complete and is scheduled to be fully finished by 2028.

  • The next stage is set to begin in the first or second week of March 2026.
  • The Chicago Street lane reduction is expected to last for about a month.
  • The second stage, with more ramp closures, is planned for late summer 2026.
  • A third stage with additional ramp closures is also scheduled.
  • The overall $1.3 billion project is expected to be 80% complete by the end of 2026 and fully finished by 2028.

The players

Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)

The state agency responsible for managing the Interstate 80 construction project in Joliet.

Eric Ray

An IDOT official who described the next stage as the most complex portion of the entire 16-mile project.

Matt Daeda

A representative from Lochner, the engineering firm overseeing the project, who stated that the final phase will deliver a safer and more reliable I-80 corridor for decades to come.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is the most complex portion of the entire 16-mile project. And with overlapping contracts, this section through Joliet will function as one coordinated construction zone.”

— Eric Ray, IDOT Official (abc7chicago.com)

“This final phase is what allows us to deliver the full benefits of the project, a safer more reliable I-80 Corridor for decades to come.”

— Matt Daeda, Lochner Representative (abc7chicago.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This construction project on the I-80 corridor in Joliet highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining and upgrading aging transportation infrastructure, especially in high-traffic areas. The significant traffic impacts during the construction phases underscore the need for effective communication and planning to minimize disruptions for both commuters and freight traffic.