Joliet’s Ruby Street bridge scheduled to close July 1

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that as part of ongoing efforts to upgrade the movable bridges in downtown Joliet, the Ruby Street (Illinois 53) bridge over the Des Plaines River will be closing for two months. The closure is contingent on the anticipated reopening of the Jefferson Street (U.S. 30) bridge later this month and scheduled to begin July 1, weather permitting. ​ 

The closure is necessary to install new control systems, motors and cables. The bridge is tentatively due to reopen by Sept. 1. 

A detour will direct northbound motorists to 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). ​ 

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 Jefferson Street (U.S. 30) bridge was closed May 14 for emergency repairs to replace equipment and electrical components. The repairs are progressing, with the bridge tentative to reopen within the next three weeks. ​ 

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. 

For more information on IDOT projects, click here. Find traffic and road conditions at www.gettingaroundillinois.com. You also can follow IDOT on Facebook and X. 

# # #