The Illinois Department of Transportation announces that starting this week, repairs to the bridge carrying Sibley Boulevard (Illinois 83) over the Bishop Ford Freeway (Interstate 94) in Dolton will require lane closures. To complete the work, westbound Sibley Boulevard is reduced from two to one lane of traffic on the bridge. Motorists can also expect occasional weekend lane closures on the eastbound Bishop Ford at Sibley Boulevard. At the same time, the ramp from westbound Sibley Boulevard to eastbound Bishop Ford will also be closed.

A detour will direct Sibley Boulevard traffic to Lincoln Avenue to connect to eastbound Bishop Ford via the Lincoln Avenue ramp. The project, which includes bridge deck and structural steel repairs, is expected to be completed in December. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area.

Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and be on the alert for workers and equipment.

Over the next six years, IDOT is planning to improve more than 3,300 miles of highway and 8.4 million square feet of bridge deck as part of the Rebuild Illinois capital program, which is investing $33.2 billion into all modes of transportation. Year One included approximately $2.7 billion of improvements statewide on 1,706 miles of highway, 128 bridges, and 228 additional safety improvements.

Updates on the impacts to traffic are available at www.travelmidwest.com.