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Ruby Street Bridge

Joliet, IL
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East < GO > West

The Ruby Street Bridge over Des Plaines River opened in 1935 and was reconstructed in 1972. It is only one of three such bridges on Route 66. It was renovated in 2012. The bridge has been undergoing some repairs and updating on an intermittent schedule since the spring of 2024, so it may or may not be open, watch for detours.

Heading west the bridge is located a short distance south of the Route 66 Park and Dick's Towing. Turn left off Broadway onto Ruby Street.

GPS: 41.536743,-88.083439

This bridge is a rare example of a two-leaf Trunnion Bascule bridge.

This photo shows where the two sections meet.

This photo shows the sidewalk outside the main stricture. The operators tower can be seen on the far side of the river. If I understand correctly, after the recent updates the bridge will be operated from a remote site.

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Vintage Advertising Highlights

Ruby Street Bridge over the Illinois Waterway, Joliet, Ill.

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Photo(s): 2022