WILL COUNTY, IL — Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation announce that a $93.5 million project to reconstruct a new interchange at Interstate 55 and Illinois 59 with other corridor improvements is nearing completion and will be opening to traffic, another major investment in Will County made possible by the governor's Rebuild Illinois capital program. Located between Joliet and Shorewood, Illinois, the project is converting an interchange with partial access between I-55 and Illinois 59 to accommodate full access in a diverging-diamond design to enhance traffic flow and safety throughout the area.
"Through Rebuild Illinois, we are modernizing our transportation systems and driving economic growth statewide," Pritzker said. "The completion of the interchange at I-55 and Illinois 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 new interchange with Illinois 59 combined with other improvements to I-55 will greatly improve the flow of people, goods, and commerce through the region while setting the stage for more jobs and economic development," Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman said. "This project is a long-term investment that makes Will County an even better place to work, play, grow your business, and raise a family."
Prior to rebuilding the interchange, only northbound I-55 could exit to northbound Illinois 59 and from southbound Illinois 59 to southbound I-55. With the ramps opening, both directions of I-55 can access both directions of Illinois 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 Illinois 59 and U.S. 52, improving safety, boosting efficiency, and reducing conflict points by better accommodating vehicles entering and leaving the interstate.
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"The Illinois 59 and Interstate 55 interchange is a perfect example of state and federal dollars working together to improve our community," U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin said. "This project will better connect the people of Will County to the exciting developments taking place in the area. The I-55 corridor is at the heart of new business growth, and these road improvements will help us meet future transportation needs by improving regional mobility, safety, and capacity."
Because of Pritzker's commitment to I-55, the region is anticipated to benefit through planned developments in the area, including the mixed-used RockRun Collection that is projected to account for $1.4 billion in economic impact and produce $53 million in state and local tax revenue. 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.
Other components include the Illinois 59 intersection with Seil Road being improved and modernized, new sidewalks and connections to the existing local system of trails, and improved pedestrian and bicycle access across I-55. New lighting, modernized traffic signals, and noise and retaining walls were built along the interstate.
As construction winds down, work continues on the multi-use path, installation of a new traffic signal at Illinois 59 and Seil Road, landscaping, and other miscellaneous items into early 2025.
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"This project is an important step in enhancing safety, mobility, and economic growth for all Illinois residents," Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton said. "By improving access and easing traffic flow, we're making travel more efficient and creating opportunities that strengthen communities and boost local economies."
The interchange is part of IDOT's overall I-55 at Illinois 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.
"This project is a great example of how investments in infrastructure, like those made through the Rebuild Illinois capital program, create lasting benefits for both workers and the community," said James M. Sweeney, President and Business Manager, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150. "Our members take great pride in helping to build safer roads and more efficient transportation systems that improve the daily lives of the residents of Will County. By utilizing skilled union labor, we're not just creating jobs, we're ensuring this critical infrastructure will serve the community reliably for years to come."
Accomplishments through Year Five of Rebuild Illinois include approximately $16 billion of improvements statewide on 6,541 miles of highway, 686 bridges, and 986 additional safety improvements.
