April 2: Closures scheduled to begin for 159th Street Interchange work on Tri-State Tollway (I-294)

Press release from the Illinois Tollway / Move Illinois:

Temporary, overnight closures are scheduled next week on the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) to begin bridge reconstruction as part of improvements planned at the 159th Street Interchange in Markham. The bridge will remain open during construction, however ramp closures will be needed for interchange improvements.

Electronic message signs and construction signage will be put in place in advance to alert drivers to the start of construction, as well as for ramp closures. The closures are necessary to provide a work zone and safely accommodate traffic.

In 2018, the Illinois Tollway has scheduled improvements at the 159th Street Interchange to coordinate with future local improvements planned for 159th Street. Work will include rebuilding the existing 159th Street Bridge and reconstructing four ramps at the 159th Street Interchange: southbound I-294 to eastbound 159th Street, eastbound 159th Street to northbound I-294, northbound I-294 to westbound 159th Street and westbound 159th Street to southbound I-294. Lighting and drainage structures will also be upgraded.

The 159th Street Bridge Project will extend the life of the interchange, increase traffic capacity and provide safe and convenient travel for Tollway customers. More than 13,000 vehicles use this interchange daily. Read more.