Four month bridge repairs start Monday

Area motorists traveling Interstate 55 in both directions should use extra caution starting Monday when the roadway over the Kankakee River bridge at Wilmington will be reduced to one lane. The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that the $1.3 million project to repair the bridge carrying Interstate 55 over the Kankakee River will take four months to complete.

 

To complete the work, I-55 will be reduced to one lane in both directions between River Road and Lorenzo Road. Digital message boards will be installed in advance of the work zone to display real time traffic information. To bypass excessive backups and congestion Illinois 47 and Interstate 80 are the posted alternative route.

 

The project will consist of bridge deck joint repairs. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and be on the alert for workers and equipment.