UPDATE: Project Postponed – Ruby Street Bridge to Close for Upgrades
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that as part of ongoing efforts to upgrade the movable bridges in downtown Joliet, Ruby Street (Illinois 53) bridge over the Des Plaines River, in Joliet, will close, weather permitting, Monday, Oct. 21.
The closure is necessary to accommodate the installation of new aerial cables and a control system, along with various tender house upgrades. The improvements will allow the bridge to be controlled from a central location, creating a more efficient system of lifting and lowering the bridges and increasing safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and marine traffic.
A detour will direct motorists to northbound Scott Street (Illinois 53) via Cass Street (U.S. 30), Plainfield Road (U.S. 30), Theodore Street (Illinois 7) and Illinois 53/Illinois 7. Southbound traffic will detour via Theodore Street (Illinois 7), Plainfield Road (U.S. 30), Center Street, Jefferson Street (U.S. 30) and Broadway Street (Illinois 53). Trucks should follow the posted detours.
The work is anticipated to be completed by the end of this year.
The public can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and be on the alert for workers and equipment.