Part of Arsenal Road Interchange to Open

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that the new ramp from northbound Interstate 55 to Arsenal Road is scheduled to open, weather permitting, the week of Sept. 24.

"We’re aiming, weather permitting for later this week, Thursday or Friday," Mike Claffey," IDOT spokesman said.

The new exit is located approximately one mile south of the current Arsenal Road exit. The existing ramp will close when the new ramp opens.

IDOT officials warned that temporary night time lane closures are expected on northbound I55 the night prior to the ramp opening to relocate signs to the new ramp.

In early October, the ramp from Arsenal Road to northbound I55 also is scheduled to open.

"Work is continuing on the fly over bridge," Claffey said. "That should bbe complete weather permitting later this fall."

The new exit ramp from southbound I55 to Arsenal will also open at that time.

"We expect most of that work to be completed this year," Claffey said.

The only part of the Arsenal Road project that will not be completed is the East Frontage Road, which will continue to be under construction into next year, Claffey said.

The $68.7 million Arsenal Road interchange project involves removing the existing interchange and relocating it approximately one mile south. The new configuration will include a flyover ramp, auxiliary lanes for trucks and new ramps to alleviate traffic backups on I55.

For more information on the Arsenal Road interchange project, visit http://www.dot.il.gov/I55arsenal/index.html.

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