Jefferson Street Bridge to Open Monday, Ruby to Close
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that the Jefferson Street (U.S. 30) bridge over the Des Plaines River in downtown Joliet is scheduled to reopen Monday, weather permitting. The bridge was closed May 14 for emergency repairs to replace equipment and electrical components.
Also, part of ongoing efforts to upgrade the movable bridges in downtown Joliet, the Ruby Street (Illinois 53) bridge is now scheduled to be closed for repairs starting July 7, weather permitting, with a tentative Aug. 31 reopening.
The closure is necessary to install new control systems, motors and cables.
A detour will direct northbound motorists to Scott Street (Illinois 53) via Cass Street (U.S. 30), Center 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).
Truck detour northbound: Chicago Street (Illinois 53), Jefferson Street, Collins Street (Illinois 171), Ninth Street (Illinois 7) and Illinois 7/Illinois 53. Southbound: Plainfield Road (U.S. 30), Larkin Avenue (Illinois 7), U.S. 6 and McDonough Street (U.S. 52).
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.