IDOT Plans Another Busy Road Construction Season in 2002

SCHAUMBURG-- With funding from the Illinois FIRST program, the Illinois Department of Transportation is ready to begin yet another busy road construction season throughout the six-county Chicago region.

"This year’s road work involves a number of good sized jobs, but nothing as high profile as last year’s Hillside Interchange project," said Dirk Fuqua, IDOT’s Engineer of Project Implementation in the Chicago area. "The overall focus in 2002 will be on road maintenance and safety improvements although we will undertake a variety of congestion relief projects as well."

Several interstate projects top this year’s list of major work, including:

• I-55/Franklin Connector from Cermak Road to the Dan Ryan Expressway (I-90/94)

Construction activities for this $17.9 million project previously began on January 15. It involves the replacement of seven bridges, complete pavement reconstruction of the Franklin Connector from Cermak Road to the Dan Ryan, and reconstruction of ramps between I-55 and I-90/94. It is scheduled for completion on October 31. The project is located in near Chicago’s Chinatown neighborhood.

• I-55 at Tri-State Tollway (I-294)

This $12.7 million interchange reconstruction project is designed to reduce congestion by rebuilding five ramps and replacing and widening two bridges. The key improvement involves the construction of additional lanes on the bridge over Joliet Road located just south of the I-294 toll plaza. It is scheduled to begin on March 15 and is to be completed by October 31. The project is located in Burr Ridge and Indian Head Park.

• I-55 from IL 126 to the Tri-State Tollway (I-294)

This 15-mile section of I-55 is to be resurfaced this year. The contract will be bid later this spring with construction taking place in the summer and fall. Work will be done during the overnight period to minimize impact on traffic. The project is located in Plainfield, Romeoville, Bolingbrook, Darien, Lemont, Willowbrook, Burr Ridge, and Indian Head Park.

• I-57 from Dan Ryan Expressway (I-90/94) to I-80

This is a two-year, 12-mile resurfacing and bridge rehabilitation project. During 2002, the southbound lanes of I-57 will be improved at a cost of $40.2 million. Preliminary work will begin by March 18 and full construction is scheduled to start on March 23. All first year work is to be completed by October 31. Contracts for similar work on the northbound lanes of I-57 in 2003 will be bid later this fall. The project is located in Chicago, Calumet Park, Blue Island, Riverdale, Markham, Country Club Hills, Oak Forest, Posen, Harvey and Dixmoor.

• I-80 at U.S. 45 and U.S. 45 from 179^th Street to 191^st Street

This two-year project will reconstruct the interchange of I-80 at U.S. 45 in 2002 and rebuild and widen U.S. 45 from 179^th Street to 191^st Street in 2003. The contract will be bid in March. First year work will occur from early May to late October. The project is located near Mokena and Tinley Park.

• I-80/94 from IL 394 to the Illinois / Indiana State Line

A two-mile section of the Kingery Expressway (I-80/94) is to be resurfaced. To minimize the impact to traffic on this heavily traveled route, construction activities will be done during the overnight period. The contract will be bid in March and work is expected to begin in May and is to be completed by late June. The project is located in South Holland and Lansing.

• I-290 / IL 53 from Higgins Road (IL 72) to Devon Avenue

An advance contract will be bid later this spring to prepare this section of I-290 / IL 53 for an upcoming reconstruction project in 2003. The work this year involves constructing median crossovers, shoulder repairs, and drainage improvements. The project is located in Schaumburg, Elk Grove, and Itasca.

Information regarding all ongoing state road and bridge construction in the Chicago area can be obtained by visiting the IDOT web site at www.dot.il.gov and following the link to Projects.