Drivers on the south side and nearby suburbs should prepare for heavy traffic starting Tuesday, as the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) begins a major rehabilitation project on the Bishop Ford Freeway (I‑94).
According to WGN News, the work will impact 9.5 miles of the freeway, from Martin Luther King Drive south to U.S. 6 (159th Street), with outbound lanes reduced from three to two in several areas. Key ramps, including the outbound ramp to eastbound Dolton Avenue and the westbound 159th Street ramp, will also be closed during construction.
IDOT warns commuters to seek alternate routes and allow extra time for travel, especially during morning and evening rush hours. The project includes pavement resurfacing, bridge repairs, updated LED lighting, and new signage, with outbound lane work expected to continue through December. Inbound lanes are set to resume work in spring 2027, and the overall project is slated for completion by late 2027.
Areas affected include Chicago, Dolton, Burnham, Riverdale, Calumet City, and South Holland. Drivers are urged to plan ahead, use alternate routes like I‑57 or local streets, and stay updated via IDOT travel alerts.
This large-scale rehab is expected to cause major congestion, and officials say planning ahead is the best way to avoid getting stuck.
