Richards Street to Close for Joliet Gateway Center Work

The good news is the work continues to progress on the Joliet Gateway Center.

The bad is another road closure -- this one on Richards Street between Washington and Jefferson -- goes into effect Dec. 30 to accommodate the project.

Here is a news release from the city on what's happening:

As part of the continued work on the Joliet Gateway Center transportation campus, the current closure of Eastern Avenue, south of Jefferson Street, will be removed and Richards Street will now be closed between Washington Street and Jefferson Street for railroad bridge rehabilitation work beginning Monday, December 30, 2013.

A detour will be posted for local traffic utilizing Washington Street, Eastern Avenue, and Jefferson Street. Drivers are advised to exercise caution and seek alternate routes when traveling in the area.

The Joliet Gateway Center transportation campus is a $43.4 million project that includes the construction of new commuter parking facilities, construction of a new bus facility, construction of a new train station, and the relocation of train passenger platforms.

The project is funded through a $32 million grant from the State of Illinois, $7.5 million in funding from the City of Joliet, $2.2 million from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, and $1.7 million from PACE. The Gateway Center project demonstrates the continued partnership of the State, City and County, the RTA, Metra, PACE, Amtrak, Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad, and Union Pacific Railroad.

For additional information, contact the City of Joliet Department of Public Works at 815- 724-4200.