State leaders are promising a smoother and safer ride for people driving through the Joliet area, as work begins on new bridges to carry Interstate 80 over the Des Plaines River.
Illinois Department of Transportation Director Gia Biagi joined Gov. J.B. Pritzker and other elected leaders for Friday's official start of the $164 million bridge reconstruction project.
"It's gonna make travel and - importantly - quality of life a whole lot better in Joliet and in Will County for many years to come," Biagi said during an appearance along I-80 Friday morning.
Eighty thousand cars and trucks use I-80 in Will County every day, and 25% of that traffic is made up of semis and big rigs. Joliet Mayor Terry D'Arcy said the improvements will help boost economic activity in the area, without sacrificing safety.
"The bridge will improve safety, reduce congestion, and keep people and goods moving smoothly through the region for decades to come," he said.
The bridges represent the last phase of the $1.3 billion reconstruction plan along I-80. The new spans are being build north of the existing ones. They're set to enter use in two years, and the old bridges will then be torn down.
New wider spans set to open in 2028; marks final phase of expressway rebuild
New wider spans set to open in 2028; marks final phase of expressway rebuild
