Lane shifts, traffic delays expected during construction on Des Plaines bridge on I-80

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Published  February 26, 2026 5:45pm CST
FOX 32 Chicago
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I-80 reconstruction in Will County continues

Until now it's been pretty smooth sailing on I-80 in Will County. The $1.3 billion reconstruction project is on schedule and on budget as the focus shifts now to the Des Plaines River bridge in Joliet 

The Brief

    • IDOT is preparing to rebuild the Des Plaines River bridge as part of the $1.3 billion I-80 improvement project in Will County, with drivers advised to expect lane shifts and delays.
    • The project includes refurbishing or replacing more than 30 bridges along a corridor that carries over 80,000 vehicles daily, with about 80% now repaved.
    • Construction began three years ago and is scheduled for completion in 2028, with officials working to maintain traffic flow during the work.

WILL COUNTY, Ill. - Three years into the $1.3 billion road and bridge improvement project along the I-80 corridor in Will County, I-DOT is preparing to rebuild the bridge over the Des Plaines River. Travelers should expect lane variations and traffic delays.

What we know:

In total, more than 30 bridges are being either refurbished or replaced on a stretch of I-80 that sees over 80,000 vehicles pass every day.

Some 80% of the corridor is now under new pavement as part of the project which is slated to be finished in 2028.

What they're saying:

IDOT Engineer Phil Gibson told Fox Chicago, "Part of this corridor we've maintained in each direction, and we've done a lot to try to manage the traffic, to manage the flow, and make sure everybody can go where they need to go."

The Source: This story contains reporting from Fox Chicago's Scott Schneider.

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