Jackson St. Bridge Reopening, But Here's What's Next

JOLIET, IL ? The technology upgrades to the Jackson Street Bridge took way longer than anticipated. Work began in February, and the Illinois Department of Transportation said it would be done in late April. Come August, the bridge will be fully operational.

IDOT announced that the Jackson Street bridge over the Des Plaines River will reopen, weather permitting, after the morning rush on Monday.

According to IDOT, the Jackson Street Bridge was closed earlier this year to accommodate the installation of new aerial cables and a control system, along with various tender house upgrades. The work is part of an ongoing project to upgrade the downtown movable bridges so they can be controlled from a central location.

IDOT maintains that this is "creating a more efficient system of lifting and lowering the bridges and increasing safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and marine traffic."

Once the Jackson Street Bridge is back in service, IDOT will turn its attention to Joliet's other drawbridges, first the McDonough Street, and then the Cass Street Bridge.

Shortly after the reopening of Jackson Street, the McDonough Street Bridge will close for approximately one week. The closure is necessary to install aerial cables to prepare the bridge for the same project, anticipated to get underway later this year.

After the reopening of McDonough Street, the Cass Street Bridge is set to close for the same upgrade project, which is anticipated to take two months to complete.

Motorists 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, IDOT advised.