Construction on a major bridge replacement project in Shorewood is scheduled to begin next week, marking the start of a 15-month infrastructure effort aimed at improving traffic flow and safety along a key roadway corridor.
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The Seil Road and Bridge Reconstruction Project, overseen by the Illinois Department of Transportation, will replace the aging Seil Road Bridge over the DuPage River and reconstruct nearby roadways. The project carries an estimated cost of $9 million and is expected to significantly upgrade the area’s transportation infrastructure.
Temporary lane closures will begin March 16 as construction activity ramps up along Seil Road between Raven Road and River Bluff Drive.
Local officials say the initial phase of construction will involve temporary traffic disruptions while crews prepare the site and begin roadway work.
The work zone will include portions of Seil Road as well as the Seil Road–Raven Road intersection, where crews will begin preliminary road improvements. Full closures of the bridge and surrounding roadway segments are expected later in the month once construction operations intensify.
Village officials noted that residents and commuters will be notified in advance once exact closure dates are confirmed. Drivers traveling through the area are encouraged to plan alternate routes and allow additional travel time.
As construction progresses, updates about traffic conditions and project milestones will be shared through official communication channels from the Village of Shorewood.
Officials say the infrastructure project will be completed in three major phases designed to modernize the corridor while minimizing disruption to motorists.
Stage One will focus on installing storm sewer infrastructure, beginning construction of the new bridge structure and widening sections of roadway. This stage will also include the installation of mini-roundabouts to help improve traffic circulation.
Stage Two will continue the bridge construction and include reconstruction and widening of Seil Road between Canterbury Drive and River Bluff Drive. These improvements aim to address current capacity issues and enhance safety along the corridor.
Stage Three will involve placing the final pavement surface and completing finishing work on the roadway and bridge.
The upgraded infrastructure will replace the existing bridge, which has faced load restrictions due to age and structural limitations.
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Local leaders say replacing the aging bridge is necessary to ensure long-term reliability for residents and businesses in the region.
Infrastructure improvements such as roadway widening, improved drainage systems and redesigned intersections are expected to enhance traffic efficiency while supporting future growth in the Shorewood area.
The bridge replacement also aims to improve access for emergency vehicles, commercial trucks and everyday commuters traveling between residential neighborhoods and nearby commercial districts.
Officials say that while the construction period will require patience from drivers, the long-term benefits of the project include improved safety, stronger infrastructure and better connectivity across the community.
The full project timeline is expected to run approximately 15 months, with completion anticipated sometime in 2027 depending on construction progress and weather conditions.
Originally reported by John Ferak,Patch Staff in Patch.
