Braidwood is located at the southwest corner of Will County,
and therefore, the Chicago metropolitan area, although within a
largely rural and outdoor recreation area. Interstate 55 passes
through the west side of the City, with two access points into
the city (Reed/Kennedy Road and Rt. 113/ Coal City Road).
Another marked Braidwood exit to the north is Route 129.
Three state highways also access the City: Route 113, from
east to west, connecting Kankakee on the east, and Coal City and
Rt. 47 to the west. Route 53 runs north and south through the
east side of the City, connecting with Chicago and Joliet on the
north, and Gardner and 1-55 on the south. Rt. 129 connects with
1-55 northbound to Chicago on the north, and ends just south of
Braidwood.
Braidwood's economy depends on area service and
manufacturing, and on the agricultural industry. The recreation
economy is seasonally prominent, with thousands of visitors who
enjoy camping, fishing and hunting. A major area employer is
Common-wealth Edison's nuclear power plant, situated immediately
southwest of the city.
Braidwood's population grew a strong 21% from 1990 to 1997.
That growth continues with new residential development
throughout the spurred by families anxious for casual lifestyle,
quality schools outdoor recreation. In 2006 our population has
reached 6,400 and we continue to grow.
