I-88 Bridge Repairs: Rochelle Lanes Cut in November
Westbound traffic drops to one lane while crews seal the deck and replace bearings on the structure over South Caron Road.
By Sakura Ellis ·
The Illinois Tollway began reducing lanes on the westbound Reagan Memorial Tollway, or Interstate 88, over South Caron Road in Rochelle this week. Crews are performing deck sealing, joint cleaning, and bearing replacement on the bridge. The project is scheduled to run through November, with all work planned for completion by the end of the year.
Westbound I-88 traffic will be limited to a single lane during the bridge deck work. Drivers should expect electronic message signs and construction markers to direct them through the zone. The tollway agency advises checking the Daily Construction Alert on its website for real time updates, as all scheduling remains dependent on weather conditions.
Local road closures will also occur in November. Northbound traffic on South Caron Road under I-88 will shut down for one week. Officials will route drivers onto Steward Road, Main Street, and Steam Plant Road to bypass the closed section and reconnect with South Caron Road.
The Illinois Department of Transportation, Ogle County, the city of Rochelle, and local fire and police departments are coordinating the repair effort. Additional closures on both the interstate and local streets may be required as needed throughout the month.
The work aims to restore the structural integrity of the bridge over South Caron Road. No major accidents have been reported at the site yet, and the single lane configuration is in place to allow safe access for construction equipment.
