Bollman Road Bridge over I-88 in Lee County closed for repairs into July
The Illinois Tollway announced on June 1 that the Bollman Road Bridge over the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88) in Lee County is now fully closed to traffic for repair work, with the closure expected to continue into July. The bridge closure began Monday and is necessary because the local crossroad bridge is too narrow to safely accommodate both traffic and maintenance activities at the same time.
According to the Illinois Tollway, construction will include concrete and bridge deck repairs as well as sealing. Construction signage has been installed to alert drivers about lane closures on bridges and local roads. Temporary closures are needed to manage traffic flow and maintain a safe work zone. All scheduled work remains dependent on weather conditions, with updates available through the Daily Construction Alert on the agency's website.
Once repairs at Bollman Road Bridge are complete, similar work will begin at the nearby Nelson Road Bridge during July and August. Repairs there will also require a full closure of that bridge, including concrete and deck repairs along with bearing replacements. Additional lane closures on I-88 itself will be necessary throughout these projects.
The Illinois Tollway said it is coordinating these efforts with Lee County, Nelson Township, and local fire and police departments. Maps and further construction information can be found in the Projects section of illinoistollway.com.
These projects are part of a broader seven-year, $2 billion Bridging the Future capital plan approved by the Illinois Tollway Board of Directors in December 2024. In 2026, planned improvements include repairs to local crossroad and mainline bridges across Whiteside, Lee, Ogle, Kane, and DuPage counties.
Drivers are reminded that construction zone speed limits remain in effect around the clock in all zones. The "Move Over Law" requires motorists approaching vehicles with flashing hazard lights—such as those parked for roadwork—to change lanes or slow down when passing. Penalties for speeding or failing to comply can range from fines up to $25,000 or jail time if a roadway worker is struck.