IDOT tells Joliet council I‑80 reconstruction is 60–65% complete; Cass Street reopening delayed into next year

Eric Ray, area construction supervisor for South Cook and Will County at the Illinois Department of Transportation, told the City of Joliet pre‑council meeting on May 18 that the I‑80 reconstruction contract — a 16‑mile project from Ridge Road in Manuka to US‑30 in New Lenox — is roughly 60–65% complete and that IDOT expects to be about 80% complete on the corridor by the end of the year.

The $1.3 billion contract includes pavement reconstruction and the rehabilitation or replacement of more than 30 bridge structures, Ray said. He described ongoing work around the Des Plaines River bridge and at the Larkin and Chicago Street interchanges, and said crews will maintain two lanes in each direction across the river while building an offset bridge structure.

Ray detailed sequencing choices intended to shorten the total disruption. He said portions of the corridor will be opened as sections are completed and that the team has intentionally resequenced work to concentrate heavy impacts for shorter periods.

On specific bridge repairs, Ray said the Cass Street movable bridge was reduced to one lane because of structural problems and that procurement issues delayed getting required mechanical parts. He said a separate contractor will be hired for that work, and that while IDOT had hoped to reopen the bridge this year, reopening now looks more likely in late summer or early fall of next year. "I should know more tomorrow," Ray told the council, noting a scheduling meeting was planned.

Council members pressed IDOT on design options and material sourcing. Ray said a long flyover like Lockport’s would not be feasible downtown without massive land acquisition and property impacts, citing geometric and clearance constraints. He also said federal "Made in America" requirements favor domestic components but that waivers or special FHWA pathways are sometimes used for foreign parts; long lead times and part availability can slow repairs.

Ray described Brandon Road as a particularly problematic site, where motors and other mechanical pieces were in very poor condition, and said mismatches between newer replacement motors and original shaft dimensions required additional structural work. He cautioned that one unforeseeable failure can cascade and delay subsequent bridge rehabs.

IDOT said Chicago Street ramp closures are planned after the July 4 holiday to avoid NASCAR‑weekend and holiday traffic, and that posted detours will use primarily Larkin and Bridal/Bridge streets. Ray said IDOT coordinates with Joliet public works, other municipalities, emergency responders, maintains a project hotline and posts updates on its website and social media.

The presentation closed with time for questions; Ray repeatedly emphasized sequential constraints — "it’s a domino effect" — and said IDOT is attempting to expedite work but would not promise dates it could not meet.

Next steps: IDOT scheduled follow‑up scheduling meetings and city staff said they will share updated timelines with the council as they are provided by the department.