Construction Update: Lane Closures at Route 31 Interchange for I-90 Coming Sunday

If you're commuting from the Tri-Cities via I-90, here's a quick heads-up on ramp closures at the Route 31 interchange and some lane closures on Route 72 that start Aug. 7.

The work is part of I-90 Roadway and Bridge Rehabilitation Project.

According to a press release from the Illinois Tollway, the exit ramp from the eastbound Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) to northbound Route 31 and the eastbound entrance ramp from southbound Route 31 will close for one week beginning on Sunday, Aug. 7, for ramp reconstruction work.

Additionally, traffic on Route 72 over I-90 will be reduced to one lane in each direction throughout August for deck patching work.

The Route 31 ramp closures are scheduled to start at midnight Sunday, and detour routes will be posted. Eastbound I-90 traffic exiting to northbound Route 31 will be directed to continue east and exit at the Route 25 interchange, north on Route 25 to Higgins Road, then west to reach Route 31.

Southbound Route 31 traffic entering eastbound I-90 will be directed east on Higgins Road and south on Route 25 to reach the eastbound entrance ramp to I-90.

The lane closures on Route 72 over I-90 are scheduled to begin at 6 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 8. One lane will be maintained in each direction. All lanes are scheduled to reopen by the end of August.

The Illinois Tollway is resurfacing the 50-year-old section of I-90 between U.S. Route 20 and Genoa Road and between the Elgin Toll Plaza and Barrington Road to provide a new, smooth surface and extend the life of the roadway. Roadway improvements also include rehabilitation of 25 bridge structures on I-90. Work is scheduled for completion by the end of this year.

Work Zone Safety

A 45 mph speed limit is in effect 24/7 in all construction zones, regardless of whether workers are present. Drivers should continue to watch for changing traffic patterns and use caution, especially when workers are present.

Illinois State Police have zero tolerance for drivers speeding in work zones. The minimum penalty for speeding in a work zone is $375. Posted signs advise drivers of a $10,000 fine and 14-year jail sentence for hitting a roadway worker.

Getting Tollway Construction Information

• www.illinoistollway.com – Traffic & Construction Section – for details by road
• 1-800-TOLL-FYI – Daily lane closure information
• www.travelmidwest.com – Real-time travel times
• Up-to-the-minute traffic by roadway – www.nbcchicago.com
• Construction eNewsletter – www.illinoistollway.com