(CREDIT: Google Maps)

Extended weekend ramp closures with detours are scheduled this month for pavement repair and resurfacing work on ramps at the Orchard Road Interchange on the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88).

(CREDIT: Google Maps)

According to an Illinois Tollway news release, electronic message signs and construction signage will be put in place in advance to alert drivers to the ramp closures and detours. The closures are necessary to safely provide a work zone for resurfacing on the ramp. All work is weather dependent.

“The Illinois Tollway prioritizes the safety of both drivers and workers when planning for roadway maintenance and repairs,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director José Alvarez. “While roadwork detours are inconvenient for drivers, the closures are necessary to provide a safe work zone for construction workers and completion of the repair work.”

At 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 6, the ramp connecting eastbound I-88 to Orchard Road is scheduled to close to traffic through 5 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 9. A detour will be put in place directing eastbound traffic to exit in advance of Orchard Road at Illinois Route 47 and then use U.S. Route 30 to
reach Orchard Road.

The next interchange east of Orchard Road is Illinois Route 31.

At 9 a.m.  Friday, Sept. 13, the ramp connecting Orchard Road to westbound I-88 is scheduled to close to traffic through 5 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 16.

A detour will be put in place directing traffic to continue south on Orchard Road and then use U.S. Route 30 and Illinois Route 47 to access westbound I-88.

Construction and detours are being coordinated with Kane County, the city of Aurora and the village of North Aurora as well as local fire and police departments.

Repair work on both Orchard Road Interchange ramps includes pavement patching and shoulder resurfacing.

The improvements on the Orchard Road Interchange on I-88 will extend the life of the interchange, improve travel in the area and provide convenient access to local communities and support economic opportunities. This work is part of the tollway’s 15-year, $14 billion capital program, Move Illinois: The Illinois Tollway Driving the Future.

Maps and construction information about the I-88 Interchange Improvements is available in the projects section on the tollway’s website at Illinoistollway.com and via the Interactive tollway map.

Work Zone Safety

Construction zone speed limits are in effect in all construction zones 24/7 and drivers should continue to watch for changing traffic patterns and use caution, especially when workers are present.

The Illinois Tollway reminds motorists that the “Move Over Law” requires motorists to change lanes or to slow down and proceed with caution when passing any vehicle on the side of the road with hazard lights activated. If you see flashing lights ahead, please move over or slow down.
Illinois State Police have zero tolerance for drivers speeding in work zones or failure to comply with the Move Over Law.

The minimum penalty for speeding in a work zone is $250. Posted signs advise drivers of a $10,000 fine and a 14-year jail sentence for hitting a roadway worker.

Penalties for failure to slow down or move over for a vehicle on the shoulder with flashing lights includes up to a $10,000 fine, two-year suspension of driving privileges and jail time, in extreme cases.

Getting Tollway Construction Information

The Illinois Tollway has a variety of ways customers can get the latest travel information, including:

• Illinoistollway.com  — Interactive Tollway Map for construction and live roadway images.
• Daily construction alerts — Daily and long-term lane and shoulder closure schedules.
• Twitter.com — Real-time roadway incident information at Tollway Trip 90, Tollway Trip 88, Tollway Trip 355, Tollway Trip 94/294 and Tollway Trip 390.