A $93.5 million project to reconstruct a new interchange at I-55 and Route 59 is now open to traffic after state and local leaders celebrated the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday.
Located between Joliet and Shorewood, the project is converting an interchange with partial access between I-55 and Route 59 to accommodate full access in a diverging-diamond design to enhance traffic flow and safety throughout the area, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation, which coordinated the project.
“Through Rebuild Illinois, we are modernizing our transportation systems and driving economic growth statewide,” said Gov. J.B. Pritzker. “The completion of the interchange at I-55 and Route 59 will soon provide a safer and more efficient transit experience for the Will County community while simultaneously boosting the local economy. This milestone marks another step forward in our mission to improve safety, mobility and quality of life throughout Illinois.”
The interchange opened earlier this week, with at least one lane on each ramp and signals activated. Route 59 will continue to be reduced to one lane in each direction approaching Seil Road through late October, when additional lanes on the ramps also will open and the project substantially completed, according to IDOT.
While the work zone remains in place until construction wraps up, the public should continue to anticipate delays and allow extra time for trips through this area, IDOT warns. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and remain alert for workers and equipment, officials added.
Prior to rebuilding the interchange, only northbound I-55 could exit to northbound Route 59 and from southbound Route 59 to southbound I-55. With the ramps opening, both directions of I-55 can access both directions of Route 59 and vice versa.
Additionally, East Frontage Road was relocated and reconstructed, providing necessary distance from the interchange, with auxiliary lanes added to I-55 between Route 59 and U.S. 52 (Jefferson Street), improving safety, boosting efficiency and reducing conflict points by better accommodating vehicles entering and leaving the interstate, according to IDOT officials.
The region is anticipated to benefit through planned developments in the area, including the mixed-used Rock Run Collection that is currently under development with Hollywood Casino Joliet. The 31-acre mixed-use development, which will include 570-multi-family apartments, more than 150,000 square feet of office space and more than 500,000 square feet of retail and restaurants, is projected to account for $1.4 billion in economic impact and produce $53 million in state and local tax revenue, according to Michael Gold, president of Cullinan Properties that is developing Rock Run Collection.
The annual benefits once the improvements are finished are estimated at $181 million in economic impact and $72 million in state and local tax revenue, Gold said.
Other components of the project also include improving Route 59 intersection with Seil Road and modernizing, as well as new sidewalks and connections to the existing local system of trails, including improved pedestrian and bicycle access across I-55. New lighting, modernized traffic signals, and noise and retaining walls were built along I-55, IDOT said.
The interchange is part of IDOT’s overall I-55 at Route 59 Access Project, fueled by Rebuild Illinois. Passed in 2019, Pritzker’s capital program is investing a total of $33.2 billion over six years into the statewide transportation system, creating jobs and promoting economic growth. Rebuild Illinois is not only the largest capital program in state history, but also the first that touches all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, transit, waterways, freight and passenger rail, aviation, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.
“Will County is growing, and with that growth, it demands a skilled labor force capable of not just meeting but exceeding the challenges of a dynamic marketplace,” said State Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel, whose 49th District includes Shorewood and Crest Hill. “As we celebrate the I-55 at Route 59 Access Project, we have to acknowledge the work Will County has done to be a transportation hub in Illinois while bringing good-paying jobs with good benefits for local people and companies to our community.”
State Sen. Rachel Ventura, whose 43rd District includes Joliet, told The Times Weekly “Will County scored a huge victory with this interchange.”
“When we make investments in our transportation systems and infrastructure, we are also investing in bettering the lives of families, students, seniors and individuals from all walks of life,” said Ventura. “I am proud to see our state recognize the importance of this area’s potential and will continue to advocate for more improvements in the future.”
