Ruby Street bridge opening now slated for Jan. 1
FROM STAFF REPORTS November 13, 2012 5:58PM
Rosie, the police bloodhound for the Forest Preserve District of Will County Police Department, is seen Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012, in Joliet. | Matthew Grotto~Sun-Times Media
Updated: December 15, 2012 6:24AM
JOLIET — Push back your plans to cross the Ruby Street bridge until the new year.
The downtown Joliet bridge over the Des Plaines River, originally scheduled to open Monday, now is slated to open Jan. 1.
The Illinois Department of Transportation, which maintains the downtown bridges, closed the Ruby Street crossing in July for maintenance.
“They found a couple of unforeseen mechanical issues,” said Greg Ruddy, public works administrator for the city of Joliet. “They needed to get some parts fabricated.”
Because of the uniqueness of the downtown draw bridges, parts have to be custom made, which often adds time to maintenance projects.
“It’s not something you can buy off the shelf,” Ruddy said.
