I-55 roadwork to begin for Channahon-Wilmington area

IDOT warns of traffic delays during 8.5-mile resurfacing project scheduled for completion in November

The Illinois Department of Transportation is advising motorists to expect “major travel delays” starting this weekend on Interstate 55 from Channahon to Wilmington.

IDOT is starting a resurfacing project for an 8.5-mile stretch of I-55, which is scheduled to be completed in November.

The $8.1 million project covers the section of interstate running from just north of the Illinois & Michigan Canal in Channahon to just north of River Road in Wilmington.

The initial work will require lane closures this weekend and next, IDOT said.

“Major travel delays are anticipated,” IDOT said in its news release.

Starting at 9 p.m. Friday, I-55 between Interstate 80 and the Kankakee River will be reduced to one lane in each direction . The lane closures will continue until 5 a.m. Monday.

The same schedule for lane closures is planned for May 21-24 when the work continues, weather permitting.

Starting May 24, IDOT plans to begin various lane closures and partial ramp closures on a weekday schedule running from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sundays through Thursdays for the resurfacing project. Weekend work will continue from 9 p.m. Fridays to 8 a.m. Saturdays. At least one lane in each direction will remain open, IDOT said in its release.

IDOT is encouraging motorists to consider other routes.