Some lanes on I-55 in Bolingbrook remain closed due to giant pothole; Scheduled Delays – NBC Chicago

A giant car-sized pothole on a section of Interstate 55 near Interstate 355 in the suburb of Bolingbrook is still closed to two lanes and causing traffic problems Wednesday, the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Two exit lanes on the I-55 bridge over Illinois 53 were temporarily closed Tuesday as emergency crews attempted to repair the damage by pouring concrete mix on them, according to IDOT officials. .

And although repairs were due to be completed earlier in the day, inconsistent weather conditions slowed the process, officials said.

Concrete was poured into the large pothole for “extensive repairs” on I-55, causing major delays in Bolingbrook. The lanes are expected to reopen before the evening rush, after the concrete has been tested later in the afternoon for safety reasons.

“While the necessary repairs have been made to the bridge deck, additional time is needed for the concrete to harden and build sufficient strength before the lanes can be reopened to traffic,” a statement from the NIHB said on Tuesday. IDOT. “A concrete mix with an accelerated hardening time was used, but low temperatures slow the hardening of the concrete.”

“The left lane of the bridge and the ramps will remain open,” Tuesday’s statement continued. “We expect all lanes to be reopened later this evening. However, this may take longer if the concrete has not cured.”

According to officials, as of Wednesday morning, it would indeed take more time.

Two lanes on outbound I-55 remain closed, which has already resulted in early backups and traffic delays as the Wednesday morning commute begins.

According to NBC 5 Traffic reporter Kye Martin, a hut was built around the pothole to help warm the concrete and speed up the drying time.

According to IDOT, “motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for travel in this area.”