Motorists in Crestwood and Alsip, Illinois, should prepare for significant traffic disruptions as the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) commences a major repair project on the 127th Street bridge over the Cal Sag Channel. This essential infrastructure work on 127th Street is set to begin on Wednesday, August 21st, weather permitting, and is expected to last until Spring 2026.
Project Overview: Enhancing the 127th Street Bridge
Starting August 21, IDOT’s $14.4 million initiative will address critical infrastructure needs on the 127th Street bridge. The extensive project includes replacing the bridge deck and concrete approaches, crucial structural steel repairs, and the replacement of steel beams. Improvements also extend to new lighting and fresh paint, enhancing safety and aesthetics for all users of 127th Street. Pedestrians and cyclists will benefit from a widened multi-use path on the south side of the bridge, accompanied by new guardrail installations, making the 127th Street crossing safer and more accessible.
Navigating Traffic Impacts on 127th Street
The repairs to the 127th Street bridge will be rolled out in phases to minimize disruption, but motorists should anticipate changes to their commutes. Initially, daytime lane closures on 127th Street approaching the bridge will allow crews to remove medians and set up work zones. Beginning Friday, August 23rd, 127th Street, specifically the stretch between Laramie Avenue and Cal Sag Road (Illinois 83), will be reduced to one lane in each direction. Drivers using 127th Street should also be prepared for lane shifts as they approach the bridge from either direction.
In early 2025, a full closure of 127th Street near the bridge, necessitating detours, is planned to facilitate more intensive repair work. This full closure will allow crews to expedite critical structural components of the 127th Street bridge repairs. The entire project, from initial lane closures to final completion, is scheduled to conclude by Spring 2026.
Rebuild Illinois Investment in 127th Street and Beyond
This 127th Street bridge project is a key part of IDOT’s broader Rebuild Illinois program, a substantial investment in the state’s transportation infrastructure. Rebuild Illinois is allocating $33.2 billion to improve various modes of transportation across Illinois, ensuring safer and more efficient travel for residents and businesses. Over six years, the program aims to upgrade over 3,200 miles of highway and nearly 9 million square feet of bridge deck throughout the state. In its first five years, Rebuild Illinois has already delivered approximately $16 billion in statewide improvements, covering 6,541 highway miles, 686 bridges, and 986 safety enhancements, demonstrating a significant commitment to upgrading infrastructure like the 127th Street bridge.
Plan Ahead for Travel on 127th Street
Commuters and residents are strongly advised to expect delays and allocate extra travel time when using 127th Street near the Cal Sag Channel during the bridge repair project. Exploring alternative routes is highly recommended, especially during peak traffic hours. IDOT urges all drivers to exercise extreme caution in the work zones along 127th Street, carefully heed flagger instructions and posted speed limits, and remain vigilant for construction workers and equipment. For up-to-date traffic and road conditions in Illinois, please visit www.gettingaroundillinois.com. Further details on IDOT projects, including updates on the 127th Street bridge repair, can be found at http://www.idot.illinois.gov.
