IDOT to partially close EB/NB I-55/70 for three days

ST. CLAIR COUNTY, Ill. – Prepare for traffic woes.

That’s if you cross the Mississippi River daily. Whether it’s the Poplar Street Bridge, the Chain of Rocks Bridge, or the Jefferson Barracks Bridge, you’ll likely encounter a bit more eastbound traffic than you are used to.

Next week, IDOT will close two right lanes along northbound and eastbound I-55/70 between the I-64 interchange and Illinois Route 203. An area that offers unique challenges for IDOT.

“It’s just such a tight location with ramps coming in,” IDOT’s Joe Monroe told FOX 2. “You have one interstate peeling off and another one coming in.”

It’s about a mile long stretch along the highway that will be closed for three days starting next Tuesday at 6 a.m. until Friday at 3 p.m. the closures will be in place for routine maintenance.

“On the backside of one of the bridge joints, due to the thermal expansion and contraction of the bridge there is an area that is really thick with rebar and it’s really tightly spaced and that area has failed,” Monroe explained.

According to Monroe, it’s a project that IDOT has had its eye on for a while, and they want to get the work done before the winter season. IDOT is working with MODOT to alert drivers with electronic signage to use the outer interstate ring along I-270 or I-255.

IDOT will be partnering with Illinois State Police during the work as safety for workers and drivers is a top priority.

“If motorists can respect that that is their work area just like it’s your office or your cubicle or wherever you work, you wouldn’t want someone driving 70 mph in a disgruntled manner,” Monroe said.

The westbound I-64 ramp to eastbound/northbound I-55/70 ramp will also be closed along with the 9th St. entrance ramp.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.