Will County Gazette

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has announced that the Ruby Street (Illinois 53) bridge over the Des Plaines River in downtown Joliet is set to reopen on Wednesday, September 10, weather permitting. 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 and repairs.

According to IDOT, these improvements are part of a broader project to modernize downtown Joliet’s movable bridges. The upgrades will enable remote control from a central location, which is expected to improve efficiency in operating the bridges and enhance safety for pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and marine traffic.

Following the reopening of Ruby Street bridge, the Cass Street (U.S. 30) bridge will close for rehabilitation work. The closure is anticipated to last until late 2026. During this period, Cass Street traffic will be rerouted 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 rehabilitation project on Cass Street bridge includes deck and approach repairs, replacement of expansion joints and structural steel, electrical upgrades, miscellaneous mechanical repairs, replacement of deteriorated sidewalks and curbs, 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 project, all three lanes will reopen without posted weight limits.

IDOT advises travelers to expect delays in the area during construction and recommends using alternative routes when possible. Drivers are reminded to pay attention to flaggers and signs in work zones, observe speed limits, and remain alert for workers and equipment.

These efforts are part of Rebuild Illinois—a multi-year infrastructure initiative aimed at improving transportation statewide. Over six years, IDOT plans to upgrade more than 3,200 miles of highway and nearly nine million square feet of bridge deck across Illinois. To date under Rebuild Illinois’ first six years, nearly $20.8 billion has been invested into improvements on highways, bridges, and safety projects statewide.

For additional information about IDOT projects or real-time road conditions in Illinois visit www.gettingaroundillinois.com or follow IDOT on social media platforms such as Facebook or X.

"UPDATE: Joliet’s Ruby Street bridge is open, Cass Street bridge to close"

###