New closures in Joliet start Thursday as railroad bridge work continues

New street closures in downtown Joliet begin Thursday as crews continue to work on a railroad bridge project.

The Jefferson Street viaduct, including the roadway and both sidewalks between Scott Street and Mayor Art Schultz Drive, will be closed until June 19, according to a statement from the city.

Truck traffic and through traffic should follow the posted state route detour via Jackson and Collins streets, the statement said.

Pedestrian and personal vehicle access to the nearby train platform, ballpark and businesses should go one block north to Van Buren Street, then south on Mayor Art Schultz Drive, the statement said.

Osgood Street and its sidewalks will also be closed starting Thursday, through June 12, between St. Louis and York streets. The closures join others already in effect for the project since mid-May.

The construction is part of the Union Pacific Railroad’s project on Heritage Corridor railroad bridges near the Joliet Gateway Transportation Center Campus, according to the city.

Motorists should seek alternate routes or allow for extra travel time.