IDOT starts resurfacing of large stretch of I-55 in Will County on Thursday

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced it will begin patching and resurfacing about a 13-mile stretch of Interstate 55 in Will County this week.

The work will take place along I-55 from Weber Road to Interstate 80 and will require overnight lane closures, weather permitting, according to a news release.

According to the release, IDOT officials anticipate the work causing major travel delays and encourages motorists to find alternative routes.

The construction will require overnight lane and partial ramp closures on both sides of the highway. The closures will take place form 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sundays through Thursdays, from 9 p.m. Fridays to 11 a.m. Saturdays and from 8 p.m. on Saturdays to 11 a.m. on Sundays. At least one lane in each direction will remain open, according to IDOT.

IDOT officials expect to complete the resurfacing project in November.

Motorists should expect delays and allow for extra time when traveling through this area. Drivers also are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and be on alert for workers and equipment.

The Rebuild Illinois Program will allow IDOT to improve more than 3,500 miles of highways and 9 million square feet of bridge deck over the next six years.

For information on IDOT projects, visit idot.illinois.gov.