Joliet I-80 Lanes to Close for Bridge Repairs
Westbound and eastbound Interstate 80 lane closures and ramp changes in Joliet are scheduled starting this weekend.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Construction
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The Illinois Department of Transportation will close westbound Interstate 80 lanes between Richards Street and Wheeler Avenue starting at 10 p.m. Friday for bridge deck repairs and pavement patching. Eastbound lanes will be reduced to one from Houbolt Road to Center Street starting at 8 p.m. Saturday, with Larkin Avenue ramps closing at the same time.
Why it matters
The closures will affect commuters traveling through Joliet on one of the region's major east-west routes during the weekend. Bridge repairs and interchange reconstruction at Chicago Street require the traffic changes.
At least one westbound Interstate 80 lane will remain open during the closures, and eastbound full stops will last no longer than 15 minutes between midnight and 7 a.m. The eastbound changes are expected to remain in place for about one month.
The players
Illinois Department of Transportation
The state agency responsible for planning, building and maintaining Illinois highways, including Interstate 80 through Joliet.
The details
Eastbound traffic will be directed by signs to stay right at the split to reach the Larkin Avenue exit, while the left lane continues through without an exit until Chicago Street. Concrete barriers will separate the eastbound lanes, with the work zone in the center lane.
Timeline
Friday, November 7, 10 p.m.: Westbound lane closures begin between Richards Street and Wheeler Avenue.
Saturday, November 8, 8 p.m.: Eastbound I-80 reduces to one lane and Larkin Avenue ramps close.
Monday, November 10, 5 a.m.: All westbound lanes are expected to reopen.
Construction
The Interstate 80 closures near Joliet continue the Illinois Department of Transportation's ongoing I-80 corridor reconstruction work. The overnight and weekend schedule reflects a pattern of limiting disruption on a heavily traveled route.
Drivers using Interstate 80 through Joliet should expect heavy westbound congestion and eastbound lane reductions and ramp closures over the weekend. Plan alternate routes for Larkin Avenue access, which closes Saturday night.
The takeaway
Drivers should check the project site before traveling and allow extra time through the Joliet corridor this weekend. Plan alternate routes if you normally use the Larkin Avenue exit.
What happens next
Westbound lanes are expected to fully reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, November 10, 2026, and eastbound changes are expected to remain in place for roughly one month.
Further reading
Find more local updates in Joliet Construction.
More information
Find project details at the IDOT I-80 construction project information page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Shaw Local.
Live Poll
Will the I-80 Joliet lane closures reopen on schedule by Monday morning?
