Beginning today, Phase I of the Stevenson Expressway (I-55) reconstruction project in Chicago takes the first of three major steps that will lead to the complete reopening of all inbound lanes from La Grange Road to the Dan Ryan Expressway.

The exit ramps from the inbound Stevenson Expressway to both directions of the Dan Ryan Expressway (I-90/94) were scheduled to open by 5 a.m.
The Illinois Department of Transportation says the remaining inbound section of roadway from west of Kedzie Avenue to Loomis Street could reopen to traffic as early as Oct. 15. That's more than two weeks ahead of the scheduled Oct. 31 completion date.
Immediately following the reopening of the inbound lanes, workers will begin patching and repairing the permanent outbound lanes in preparation for winter. This work is expected to last about two weeks.
The reconstruction of the Des Plaines River Bridge will be completed by mid November. That's about two weeks later than the originally planned Oct. 31.
For the latest information about Mission I-55, call 312-DOT-INFO or visit the Mission I-55 web site at http://www.dot.state.il.us/i55/idotmain.htm .