New Joliet Traffic Light Finally Ready To Handle Volumes Of Traffic

JOLIET — How long does it take to install a new traffic light in the city of Joliet? The answer, in the case of the new traffic light along Route 53 and Emerald Drive, is slightly more than a year. There are now flashing signs along Route 53 advising motorists that the new traffic light for South Chicago Street and Emerald Drive — at the Laraway Crossings business park — will become activated later this week.

As most of the Joliet and Elwood residents already know, Route 53 is the main thoroughfare for thousands and thousands of semi-trailers coming and going from the Centerpoint Intermodal Center in Joliet and Elwood, the largest inland port in all of North America.

Back in March of 2024, Joliet Patch first reported that a new traffic light would be built at Emerald Drive and Route 53 along Joliet's southern corridor.

Joliet announced that as part of the first phase of construction for the installation of new traffic signals on Route 53 at Emerald Drive, traffic control and safety measures were being established, and construction would impact the shoulder area for southbound traffic along Route 53.

Full construction for the traffic signal installation and turn lane improvements were anticipated to be completed by fall of 2024, the city of Joliet announced 13 months ago.