I-290 commuters can expect some relief

It's been a marathon summer for drivers who use I-290 daily but some relief is in sight.

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced motorists should expect to see lanes opening on the I-290 extension as of this morning. The rollout will last into the weekend until all lanes are ready for traffic.

But along with the reprieve comes headaches on the southbound I-290 bridge over I-355, which will be reduced to one lane today until mid-October.

Sections of the highway will accommodate all-lane travel in the following order:

• Southbound I-355 between I-290 and Army Trail Road was expected to open Tuesday night while the southbound I-290 extension should open between Thorndale and I-355 tonight.

• The northbound I-290 Extension between I-355 and Thorndale will open Thursday night. The northbound I-355 from Army Trail to I-290 including both Lake Street entrance ramps is set for Saturday.

Workers are resurfacing the Eisenhower Expressway and I-290 extension. The project encompasses I-290 from the Loop to Thorndale Avenue and I-355 from Army Trail Road to I-290.

Construction is expected to wrap up later this fall.

IDOT advised drivers to expect nighttime lane closures as the changes are instituted between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. and to be cautious of workers in the construction zones.