Will County Gazette

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced that the Ruby Street (Illinois 53) bridge over the Des Plaines River in downtown Joliet is scheduled to reopen on Wednesday, September 10, pending weather conditions. The bridge had been closed since early July for the installation of a new aerial cable and control system, as well as various electrical and mechanical upgrades.

According to IDOT, these improvements are part of an ongoing project aimed at upgrading downtown movable bridges. The upgrades will allow for centralized control of the bridges, which is expected to improve efficiency and safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and marine traffic.

Following the reopening of Ruby Street bridge, the Cass Street (U.S. 30) bridge will close for a rehabilitation project that is expected to last until late 2026. During this period, traffic will be detoured via Scott Street (Illinois 53), Ruby Street (Illinois 53), Broadway Street (Illinois 53), Theodore Street (Illinois 7), and Plainfield Road (U.S. 30).

The $22.8 million project includes repairs to decks and approaches, replacement of expansion joints and structural steel, electrical upgrades, mechanical repairs, sidewalk and curb replacements, and construction of new ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps.

Since August 2024, Cass Street bridge has operated with only one westbound lane open and weight restrictions in place. Upon completion of the rehabilitation work, all three lanes will reopen without any posted weight limits.

"The public can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Alternative routes are encouraged. 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," IDOT stated.

Over the next six years as part of Rebuild Illinois—a program investing $33.2 billion into transportation infrastructure—IDOT plans to improve more than 3,200 miles of highway and nearly nine million square feet of bridge deck statewide. Through Year Six of Rebuild Illinois almost $20.8 billion has already been invested in improvements covering nearly 7,900 miles of highway along with hundreds of bridges.

For additional information about IDOT projects or updates on road conditions in Illinois visit www.gettingaroundillinois.com or follow IDOT on Facebook or X.