Only a 'tornado' could throw off planned Friday opening of Curtis Road interchange

The Curtis Road interchange with Interstate 57 is scheduled to open on Friday after more than two years of construction.

The interchange, which has been under construction since 2006, should be open between 9 a.m. and noon, said George Davis, senior resident engineer for the Illinois Department of Transportation.

"The only thing that should keep it from opening is a tornado," he said. "Even a little rain isn't going to stop this."

Davis said before it is opened, a few important signs need to be put up, which will be done that morning.

The interchange is not completely finished. There are a few things, including landscaping and ditch repair, that need to be done. Still, the road will be suitable to drive on.

"Those won't be done for a couple more weeks, but it shouldn't affect traffic," Davis said. "They will be done off the road."