Southbound Interstate 55 overpass complete

If the weather cooperates, the southbound overpass bridge of the new East Main Street/LaSalle Avenue interchange on Interstate 55 will open soon.

Dumey Contracting has completed its construction work on that portion of the road. Dry weather will allow for roadway striping as early as today, with traffic being allowed to pass by late afternoon.

If it does rain -- the National Weather Service forecasts a 50 percent chance of precipitation -- the traffic switch could occur early next week.

The change means southbound traffic, which has been limited to one lane and diverted to the interchange ramps, will return to the southbound lanes of I-55. Drivers can expect periodic lane reductions during intermittent median and shoulder work.

Northbound traffic will continue to be reduced to one lane and diverted to the interchange ramps while work gets underway on the northbound I-55 overpass bridge.