Header Image

IDOT 159th Street Lane Closure

Temporary Lane Closures Coming to 159th Street

 

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will begin temporary daytime lane closures on 159th Street (U.S. 6) over the Bishop Ford Freeway (Interstate 94) beginning Wednesday, August 12, weather permitting. The work will affect traffic in South Holland and Calumet City.

The closures are part of preparations for the upcoming reconstruction of the 159th Street bridge. Crews will make changes to the median and install temporary pavement that will help keep 159th Street open to traffic while the existing bridge is rebuilt. The work is part of the ongoing $93 million rehabilitation of the Bishop Ford Freeway, which stretches from west of Chicago’s Martin Luther King Drive to 159th Street.

 

What Drivers Should Know

Monday through Friday, from 9am to 3pm:

  • 159th Street approaching the Bishop Ford will be reduced to one lane in each direction.
  • All lanes are expected to reopen outside of working hours.
  • Significant traffic backups are expected, so drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes when possible.

These daytime closures are currently expected to continue through September 1.

Upcoming Bridge Reconstruction

Construction on the new 159th Street bridge is expected to begin later this fall and will take approximately one year to complete.

Drivers should continue to anticipate changing traffic patterns throughout the Bishop Ford project, including lane shifts, overnight closures and delays. Please plan ahead and allow additional travel time when passing through the area. Drivers are also reminded to follow posted speed limits, watch for construction workers and equipment, and follow directions from flaggers and temporary signs.

Bishop Ford Rehabilitation Timeline

Reconstruction of the outbound Bishop Ford began this spring and is expected to continue through December, when the expressway is scheduled to return to three lanes in each direction.

Work will then resume next spring on the inbound side, with the overall project currently scheduled for completion in late 2027.

For project updates, photos and information about how to submit questions or comments to the project team, visit IDOT's Bishop Ford project page.

For current traffic conditions and roadway information, visit Getting Around Illinois.