Update: I-55 Reopened to Traffic

Update/11 a.m. Saturday: The Illinois State Police have announced Interstate 55 has reopened.

Original post: 9:30 a.m. April 20

Flooding along the Des Plaines River and I&M Canal corridor is causing traffic on Interstate 55 to be rerouted near Channahon.

Illinois State police trooper Ken Gurney said I-55 southbound at Interstate-80 is shut down. He said traffic is being diverted onto I-80.

"The canal is overflowing on 55 in both directions," he said.

Gurney said I-55 northbound is closed at U.S. Route 6. He said traffic is being diverted onto U.S. Route 6 and he suggested an alternate for motorists looking to make their way around the mess.

"You can go on Route 6 eastbound to Houbolt," Gurney said. "Then turn left—go north on Houbolt—and get on I-80 westbound to 55 northbound."

Gurney said he had no timetable—no idea—when I-55 would reopen, the situation hinging on the level of the high flood waters.