Joliet Plan to Barricade Millsdale Road Will Reroute Jackson Township Traffic

Article Summary: The City of Joliet plans to permanently barricade Millsdale Road at its railroad crossing, creating a cul-de-sac that will divert traffic in Jackson Township onto Manhattan Road. Jackson Township Highway Commissioner Walsh informed the board of the plan, which Joliet hopes to implement before the end of the current construction season.

Millsdale Road Closure Key Points:

• The City of Joliet intends to create a cul-de-sac on Millsdale Road at the railroad tracks.

• The closure will force traffic that currently uses Millsdale Road south to Manhattan Road.

• The project is being managed by the City of Joliet, which has notified the township of its plans.

• Joliet aims to begin the project by the end of the 2025 construction season.

JACKSON TOWNSHIP, IL – Residents of Jackson Township who use Millsdale Road will soon face a significant detour, as the City of Joliet plans to barricade the road at a railroad crossing. The plan was discussed at the Jackson Township Board meeting on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.

During his road report, Highway Commissioner Walsh stated he had been contacted by Greg Ruddy, the Public Works Manager for the City of Joliet, about the project. The plan involves installing a permanent barricade at the railroad tracks on Millsdale Road, effectively turning it into a cul-de-sac.

Trustee Jake Fanning asked for clarification on the impact, questioning if the closure would force traffic south onto Manhattan Road. Commissioner Walsh confirmed that it would.

The project is entirely under the jurisdiction of the City of Joliet, which is aiming to begin construction before the end of the current building season. Jackson Township will not be involved in the work but will experience the effects of the increased traffic volume on other local roads, particularly Manhattan Road. No formal action was required by the Jackson Township Board.