Jefferson Street Bridge Fixed, Reopening Just Days Away, But Here's The Bad News, Joliet

JOLIET, IL — There must be a secret memo circulating around the Illinois Department of Transportation administrative offices that wants to make sure that Joliet's travelers must be miserable. Even when there's glorious news to share — such as the reopening of the broken Jefferson Street Bridge just days away, the IDOT representatives made sure to sprinkle in some more bad news regarding Joliet's other bridges into their press release.

First, the good news.

In Thursday's news release, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced that the Jefferson Street bridge over the Des Plaines River in downtown Joliet is scheduled to reopen June 30, weather permitting.

The bridge was closed May 14 for emergency repairs to replace equipment and electrical components.

Joliet Patch's video from the scene prompted readers to offer the following comments:

Wrote Michael: "How about just making Evel Knievel ramps so cars can just jump over the river to get downtown? Permanent fix! Fast and the Furious— Joliet Edition."

"I'm more shocked by the guy floating down the canal in a dingy," remarked Lonnell.

"Start the process now build a new bridge everything else is under construction in downtown why not build a better bridge lol," wrote Jeff.

"How about some of the powers that be and make decisions about what’s the best for our community get together and have a powwow and come up with some ideas about putting a permanent bridge from the east side to the west side to the west side of the east side And keep one or two of the draw bridges for all the people that come from other places or just passing through and just think that those bridges are the end all be all of all bridges!!!" suggested Kathleen.

Now, here is the bad news that IDOT also made sure to share to make Joliet citizens remain angry and irritable:

"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.

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.