Senator Rachel Ventura Wrong, Brandon Road Bridge Won't Reopen In January: IDOT

ROCKDALE, IL — There is a lot of grumbling and frustration in the Joliet area concerning the fact that the Brandon Road Bridge has been shut down for over two years now. Last week, Joliet State Senator Rachel Ventura issued a Facebook announcement, letting her constituents know that the repair work is finally being done, and she indicated the Brandon Road Bridge could open in January.

But that is not the case, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced on Tuesday morning in a widely circulated press release.

"The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that a project to repair the Brandon Road bridge over the Des Plaines River, in Joliet, will continue into 2026 as additional time is needed to complete the work. The moveable bridges in Joliet are nearly a century old, with unique parts and maintenance needs,” declared IDOT Region 1 Engineer Jose Rios. “We appreciate your continued patience as we deliver this project as safe and efficiently as possible.”

According to Rios, the majority of the project is now anticipated to be complete and the bridge reopened next summer. The detour routing traffic to McDonough Street via U.S. 6, U.S. 52/Illinois 53 and Laraway Road will remain in place until then, IDOT noted.

In last week's announcement, published by Joliet Patch, Senator Ventura made the following comments, "over the next 6 to 8 weeks, crews will install the aerial cable, motors, and brakes, followed by key structural steel and concrete work. Once operable, the bridge will be lowered for additional deck and stringer repairs. Some remaining work is weather-sensitive, but the project is on track for completion by early January 2026."

Back on Sept. 14, 2023, Joliet Patch reported that the Illinois Department of Transportation announced that the Brandon Road bridge over the Des Plaines River was now closed as a result of a mechanical component malfunction.