Repair work on I-55 bridge in Channahon to begin Tuesday

Repairs start next week on the Interstate 55 bridge over the Des Plaines River in Channahon.

The project is expected to continue into December, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The work will require lane closures overnight and on weekends.

The schedule is to start Tuesday, weather permitting. Lane closures will occur from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Sundays through Thursdays, 9 p.m. Fridays to 9 a.m. Saturdays; and 9 p.m. Saturdays to 11 a.m. Sundays.

Lanes approaching the bridge will be closed in both directions. But at least one lane in each direction will remain open.

The $4 million project includes replacing expansion joints and installing a new deck overlay. Completion is expected in December.

Digital message boards will be installed on I-55 approaching the work zone to display real time traffic information. The agency recommends using Illinois 47 and Interstate 80 as alternative routes to bypass backups.