Ruby Street bridge in Joliet to close for several days for construction

JOLIET, Ill — Construction will begin this week on a bridge along Illinois Route 53 in Joliet, and it could cause some disruptions for drivers.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), a full closure will begin on the Ruby Street Bridge (Illinois 53), over the Des Plaines River, as crews continue their ongoing effort to upgrade the movable bridges in downtown Joliet.

Construction is set to begin on Tuesday, July 30 and set to conclude on Friday, Aug. 2.

IDOT officials said the closure is necessary to install aerial towers on the bridge.

To bypass the construction, a detour will move northbound drivers 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.

A Southbound detour will push drivers to Theodore Street (Illinois 7), Plainfield Road (U.S. 30), Center Street, Jefferson Street (U.S. 30) and Broadway Street (Illinois 53).

Truck drivers will see a different detour. Northbound truck drivers can instead take Chicago Street (Illinois 53), Jefferson Street (U.S. 30), Collins Street (Illinois 171), 9th Street (Illinois 7) and Illinois 7/Illinois 53.

Southbound truck drivers can take Plainfield Road (U.S. 30), Larkin Avenue (Illinois 7), U.S. 6, and McDonough Street (U.S. 52).

Because of the closure, IDOT officials said drivers can expect delays and are advised to allow extra time for trips through the area.

Visit the IDOT website for more information on ongoing projects.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.