Illinois begins I-80 Bridge Inspection

April 29, the state will begin regular scheduled inspections of the Interstate 80 bridge over the Des Plaines River.

Daily closures will begin with the westbound bridge until May 6. Once the westbound bridge is inspected then the eastbound bridge will be inspected. According to the Joliet Herald News, "the closures will take place between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Saturdays, if necessary."

Once the inspection is completed, the state will move on to the larger project which involves the steel repairs and bearing replacements. The process for building new parts has already begun. Work on the bridges is expected to start in June or July according to the Joliet Herald News. More work can be added to the project if more problems are found during the inspection.

The larger project is set to finish next summer of 2020. The repairs will take place under both bridges. If necessary lane closures will be scheduled at night to avoid disrupting the traffic during the daytime hours.

Two months ago in February, The Interstate 80 bridge was reported to being critical, intolerable and in a high priority for replacement according to an inspection from IDOT. A spokesman from IDOT stated in February, “While short-term repairs are already planned for this spring, the bridges are safe for travel and do not need to be closed.” The bridge has been available for the public to still use. The Illinois Department of Transportation says the bridge is safe for now.

Image courtesy from the Joliet Herald News