IDOT suspends lane closures over Labor Day weekend

[August 27, 2009]  CHICAGO -- With thousands of people traveling over the Labor Day holiday, the Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that roadwork will be suspended where possible to make for a smoother drive for motorists on the weekend of Sept. 4-7. IDOT and the Illinois State Police also want to remind travelers to drive sober in the midst of this year's "You drink & drive. You lose" campaign.

IDOT will open up various construction zones for the Labor Day weekend from 3 p.m., Friday, Sept. 4, through midnight Monday, Sept. 7.

"Labor Day weekend is a time when everyone wants to get out and spend time with family and friends, and we want to urge drivers as well as passengers to drive responsibly before hitting the roadways, and that means staying sober," Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig said. "We ask that drivers allow for extra travel time and get the latest information on construction and travel times before getting on the road. We are suspending construction wherever possible, to keep drivers and workers safe and also to make travel as smooth as possible."

Holiday travelers are reminded that work-zone speed limits will continue to be in effect 24/7 in all construction zones. Motorists should continue to watch for changing traffic patterns and use caution, especially when workers are present. The minimum fine for speeding in a work zone is $375, whether there are workers present or not. Posted signs advise motorists of a $10,000 fine and 14-year jail sentence for hitting a roadway worker.

Work zones and closures remain in place

In the greater Chicagoland area, all lanes on the Edens, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Stevenson, Tri-State Tollway (Interstate 94-294-80) and Northwest Tollway (I-90), as well as I-80 and I-57, will be open.

However, due to the nature of some projects, there will be construction zones throughout the state that will continue to operate. This work is not expected to affect traffic and will help keep projects on schedule. IDOT is urging motorists to slow down and proceed with caution through these work zones.

Motorists are advised to check www.gettingaroundillinois.com for information regarding road conditions and updates on road construction. Interstate road condition information is also available by calling 1-800-452-IDOT (4368).

Areas that will continue to have lane closures have been listed by IDOT. Click here for details.

[Text from Illinois Department of Transportation file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]