Nearly two years after its completion, the Wheeler Avenue Bridge replacement in Joliet, Illinois, continues to serve as a vital infrastructure achievement, enhancing local transportation and laying the groundwork for future improvements along the I-80 corridor.
“The Wheeler Avenue bridge project was an instrumental project to kick off the I-80 corridor construction,” said Project Manager and Resident Engineer Al Lapinskas, PE. “This piece of the I-80 corridor puzzle was essential to complete on time and re-open it to the public so that no schedule delays impacted adjacent mainline contracts.”
The project replaced a worn-down bridge unfit to support modern traffic needs with a new, stronger one built to handle today’s traffic and future growth. Finishing the new bridge helped keep regional transportation improvements on track, showing a forward-thinking investment that continues to support the Joliet community.
The new Wheeler Avenue Bridge was designed with safety and accessibility in mind. It features wider travel lanes to improve traffic flow, sidewalks on both sides for pedestrian access, and a 12-foot center turn lane to help reduce congestion for motorists using this bridge. These enhancements make the bridge safer and more convenient for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.
“This project added bridge improvements, including sidewalks with bridge fence railing, ADA sidewalk ramps, dedicated turn lanes, and increased vertical clearance,” Al said.
Beyond the bridge structure, the project included essential site improvements. Crews rebuilt the pavement for a smoother, more durable roadway, upgraded stormwater systems, and added new guardrails to enhance safety. Final landscaping helped restore and beautify the area. During construction, traffic was carefully detoured to minimize the project schedule and open the bridge sooner, instead of building the bridge in multiple stages.
A critical aspect of this project was replacing the old bridge’s two abutments and three piers, which conflicted with the planned I-80 expansion. The new bridge is supported by a single center pier on metal piles, a design choice that accommodates the future interstate widening without requiring further modifications to the bridge itself. Completing this work ahead of the I-80 mainline projects keeps future construction on schedule and reduces potential delays, benefiting the entire region.
Clark Dietz provided comprehensive construction inspection services throughout the project. From early planning and design reviews to on-site inspections and final quality checks, the team ensured that every detail met high standards for safety and durability. This hands-on involvement helped keep the project on schedule and aligned with the goals of both the local community and state transportation agencies.
Reflecting on the project’s broader impact, Al noted, “This project bridges two communities together; Joliet and Rockdale, and serves as an essential thoroughfare for commuters, residents, and visitors.”
The completed Wheeler Avenue Bridge stands as a lasting investment in Joliet’s infrastructure and a critical step forward in enhancing the I-80 corridor. It represents Clark Dietz’s commitment to delivering reliable, future-ready infrastructure solutions that keep communities connected and prepared for growth.
To learn more about this initiative, read our first post about this project: Improving I-80 at Wheeler Avenue and River Road: Clark Dietz’s Role in Enhancing Infrastructure.
Project Manager and Resident Engineer: Al Lapinskas, PE
