Brandon Road Bridge Has Emergency Closure

JOLIET, IL -The Illinois Department of Transportation announced bad news for Joliet area travelers on Thursday afternoon. The Brandon Road bridge over the Des Plaines River will be closed for emergency repairs until Sept. 7. The closure is necessary to replace a motor on the bridge that failed, the DOT said. This marks at least the third straight year that the bridge has been closed for an extensive period of time for major repairs.

IDOT said that the detour will direct traffic to cross the river at McDonough Street via U.S. 6, U.S. 52/Illinois 53 and Laraway Road.

"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," the press advisory noted.

The Brandon Road closure comes at the same time that downtown Joliet's busiest bridge, the Jefferson Street Bridge, is closed as part of an extensive repair project.

"Jefferson Street bridge is expected to reopen to traffic in September 2018, weather permitting. The bridge closure is the first of two stages of repairs on Jefferson Street bridge. An additional closure will be necessary early next year to complete mechanical repairs," IDOT announced in June.

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