Lewis Ave bridge over I-44 opens after lengthy construction

Construction crews opened both directions of traffic on Lewis Avenue over I-44 Friday afternoon.

All lanes of the westbound frontage road between Harvard and Peoria (north side of I-44) are open as well.

The westbound off ramp from I-44 to Lewis is still closed. ODOT says this ramp will remain closed until further notice.

Crews began work on the bridge nearly two years ago, closing the bridge in October 2012. The construction was tough on drivers, focing them to find other ways around the construction.

The closure of Lewis at the I-44 junction was also hard on nearby businesses, even causing some to close their doors and leave the area.

For people who live and work in the area, they are glad that it is finally over.

Loretta McGee, who works at Mid-Town Tag Agency, next to the construction, was very glad.

It took a long time for her to get home after work while construction was going on.

“Horrible.  One hundred percent horrible.  It was just nuts.  Who wants to sit through four lights at Harvard?”

Another co-worker agreed, saying he didn’t enjoy trying to get around the construction either coming into work or going home.

While the bridge is open, be aware that there is still construction equipment in the area.

Not all of the street signs may be up yet, either.

The completion of this project wraps up ODOT's multi-year tranformation of I-44 from Riverside to Yale.