Water Main Work Closes Illinois Street Ramp Early

The ramp from Lemont Road to New Avenue near downtown Lemont was shut down early this week, just days before it was scheduled to be closed for pavement patching.

Lemont Public Works Director Ralph Pukula said workers were forced to close the Illinois Street ramp due to "unforseen issues" with a New Avenue water main project.

The Illinois Street ramp was originally expected to be closed Sept. 19-26 for manhole repairs at the intersection of Illinois and State streets, according to a news release from the Illinois Department of Transportation.

During construction, all southbound Lemont Road traffic will be detoured south on State Street through Lemont to reach New Avenue via Illinois 171. Northbound New Avenue traffic will be detoured to northbound Illinois 83 and southbound Interstate 55 to reach Lemont Road.

Triggi Construction is the main contractor on the $577,000 project, according to the release.

IDOT officials said motorists should anticipate delays and seek alternative routes when possible. They are asked to obey the speed limit, observe closure signs and remain alert for workers.

Once construction is complete and detours removed Sept. 26, workers will begin a resurfacing project on State Street from 127th Street to the Will County line. The tentative complete date for the $309,000 project is late October.

The is asking residents to direct questions about construction to the Public Works Department, which can be reached at 630-257-2532. For more information visit the IDOT website at www.dot.state.il.us.