May 16, 2024
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Joliet invites public to Houbolt Road meeting

City holds informational meeting April 6 on pending construction project

By Bob Okon
An electronic sign warns southbound motorists on Houbolt Road in Joliet of construction activity that has started around the Interstate 80 interchange on Tuesday, March 22, 2022.

An electronic sign warns southbound motorists on Houbolt Road in Joliet of construction activity that has started around the Interstate 80 interchange on Tuesday. (Bob Okon)

The city of Joliet is inviting the public to an informational meeting on April 6 about the construction project this year on Houbolt-Hollywood Road and the Interstate 80 interchange.

The meeting will be from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Houbolt Road Construction Field Office, which is located at 1116 Houbolt Road, Unit B.

Construction will start in the coming weeks, and utility relocation near the interchange has begun.

Council member Joe Clement asked for the meeting and noted the project will affect residents, businesses, Joliet Junior College and motorists who drive through the area.

“Everyone coming through that corridor, I just want them to know what the timeline is going to be for that project, how bad it’s going to be, or how good it’s going to be,” Clement said.

City officials and project leaders will be at the meeting to discuss construction with the public. A proposed construction schedule will be available. Renderings and final plans for the improvements also will be available.

[ Gov. Pritzker marks next phase of Houbolt Road project in Joliet ]

The I-80 interchange will be rebuilt into a diverging diamond interchange as part of a project that includes the construction of the Houbolt Road bridge over the Des Plaines River. The bridge will provide a direct route for semitrailers moving between I-80 and the CenterPoint Intermodal Center.

The bridge will connect with Hollywood Road at Route 6. That intersection will be improved. And Hollywood Road will be widened from Route 6 to the interchange with some construction continuing to the north on Houbolt Road.

Some work has begun in the area around the interchange.

Joliet Public Works Director Greg Ruddy said utilities are being relocated in advance of actual project construction.

The city advises residents that the meeting will be held in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and will be accessible to those with disabilities. Those who require additional assistance are directed to contact city Traffic Engineer Russell Lubash by phone at 815-724-4200 or by email at rlubash@joliet.gov at least five business days prior to the event so arrangements can be made.