It could be two more weeks before I-55 North is open again after the massive crash last month.
In an update on Thursday, the Department of Transportation said crews must replace part of a deck due to extensive damage caused by the pileup.
However, they added that permanent repairs to the southbound lanes are already underway.
Because of the work, officials say the southbound lanes will be shut down for about six hours this weekend.
Here's what DOTD shared:
Northbound
Inspection results show that, due to extensive spalling, a partial deck replacement is needed for the impacted area. The top portion of the deck will be removed. Once complete, crews will replace that top layer with a modified concrete overlay. Contractors will begin mobilizing next week. Once repairs begin, and assuming no new damages are discovered, the northbound repairs could take up to two weeks to complete.
Southbound
DOTD and its contractors have already begun permanent repairs to the southbound lanes. Contractors are currently working on the right lane in the area at the crash site, removing the damaged portion of the deck, and preparing to begin patching. DOTD plans to temporarily close I-55 southbound for a six-hour period sometime this weekend. At that time, crews will switch the single-lane closure near the crash site. Interstate 55 southbound will reopen, and traffic will taper down to the right lane near the crash site as crews begin to repair the left lane. Those repairs may take up to two weeks to complete. Once done, all of I-55 southbound will be permanently repaired and open to the public.
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