Art Schultz Drive, New Street Viaduct Closings Start Thursday in Joliet

If you're traveling in Joliet, you may want to adjust your routes.

Starting Thursday, as part of continued work on the Joliet Gateway Center transportation campus, Mayor Art Schultz Drive (Michigan Street) will be closed between Jefferson and Van Buren streets during construction of the temporary Heritage Corridor boarding ramp.

The work is estimated to be completed by July 31, according to City Manager James Hock. 

Also on Thursday, the New Street railroad viaduct, west of York Avenue, will temporarily close for utility work on the Gateway Center.

Commuters will still be able to access and use the New Street Parking lot from Chicago Street. Pedestrians will need to use the Scott Street underpass and the Union Station tunnel for access.

Starting Saturday, April 26, the intersection of York Avenue at Washington Street will be closed to all vehicle traffic for the day. The work is anticipated to be completed by April 30.

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.