Joliet Embraces 2-Way Cass Street Bridge: Photos

JOLIET, IL — On Saturday afternoon, the world as we knew it changed dramatically in the city of Joliet. That's when the Illinois Department of Transportation gave the thumb's up signal to make the Cass Street Bridge a two-way thoroughfare over the Des Plaines River.

The change was made after strong lobbying from Joliet Mayor Bob O'Dekirk plus other civic leaders and downtown Joliet businessmen including the general manager for the Harrah's Casino, Norris Hamilton.

Joliet asked IDOT to make the Cass Street Bridge a two-way thoroughfare as a temporary solution while the Jefferson Street Bridge remains broken down for repairs.

On Monday afternoon, Joliet Patch observed several cars, trucks and vans heading in opposite directions over the Cass Street Bridge without any problems.

There is now one-lane of traffic from the west side to the east side and two lanes of traffic from the east side to the west side.

West-side motorists using the Cass Street Bridge to arrive in downtown Joliet are forced to turn north or south when they approach the newly installed traffic light erected along Joliet Street, right in front of the Harrah's Casino Hotel.

It remains to be seen how long the Cass Street Bridge will stay a two-way bridge. It might be forever.

Joliet's mayor has said he supports the idea of having both the Jefferson Street Bridge and the Cass Street Bridge remain as two-way thoroughfares just like the Jackson Street Bridge, the Ruby Street Bridge and the McDonough Street Bridge.

IDOT has said it does not expect to have the Jefferson Street Bridge mechanical repairs done until October. However, on Monday, there were several workers busy fixing the Jefferson Street Bridge, so it's possible the Jefferson Street Bridge will be back open a lot sooner than October.

Stay tuned.