Public Works Committee Advances $3.2 Million Engineering Contract for Mills Road Reconstruction
Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026
Article Summary: The committee forwarded a resolution to award a $3.2 million contract to HDR Engineering, Inc. for Phase II design engineering of the Mills Road and Cherry Hill Road corridor. The project aims to reconstruct and widen the roadway to improve safety and drainage.
Mills Road Engineering Contract Key Points:
-
Project Limits: Mills Road/Cherry Hill Road from US Route 52 to 1,300 feet east of Briggs Street.
-
Contract Value: $3,204,964.00 awarded to HDR Engineering, Inc.
-
Scope of Work: Includes roadway reconstruction, widening, drainage improvements, and a new bike path.
-
Municipality Impact: The project is located in unincorporated Will County and the City of Joliet, impacting District 6.
The Will County Board Public Works & Transportation Committee on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, approved a professional services agreement with HDR Engineering, Inc. for Phase II design engineering of the Mills Road and Cherry Hill Road corridor.
The $3,204,964 contract covers the design work for improvements from US Route 52 to approximately a quarter-mile east of Briggs Street. The project aims to address the condition of the roadway through reconstruction and widening.
According to the scope of services outlined in the meeting documents, the project will include the design of a closed drainage system, storm sewers, and detention facilities. The plan also includes a bike path design to accommodate non-motorized transportation.
The engineering phase will involve supplemental topographic surveys, geotechnical investigations, and coordination with utility companies. The consultant will also prepare plans for traffic control, as the road is expected to remain open to one lane of traffic in each direction during future construction phases.
Specific intersection improvements included in the design scope cover Richards Street, Neal Avenue, Rowell Avenue, Hill Street, Herman Lane, and Briggs Street.
The resolution now moves to the full County Board for final approval.
Latest News Stories
Chicago could owe $100M+ in refunds for excessive city tickets
Illinois quick hits: Indiana House approves Bears stadium bill; Business, labor groups file petition to stop natural gas phaseout; Chicago woman gets 2 years for PPP fraud
Community violence intervention advocates tout crime reduction, taxpayer funding
Pritzker’s social media fee plan faces cost, legality questions
Chicago tourism rises; visitors ignore Trump’s condemnation
Illinois quick hits: Chicago man faces charges in road-rage shooting; migrant accused of murdering church volunteer; Illinois Liquor Control Commission launches new system
Executive Committee Advances “Project Northwinds”: 2,475 Jobs and $346 Million Investment Proposed for Former Caterpillar, Lion Electric Sites
Land Use Committee Advances Mokena Scrap Yard and Homer Glen Landscape Business Over Local Objections
Foxx to face questions about murder conviction review ‘investigations’
Planning Commission Backs 5-MW Peotone Solar Farm; Developer Pledges Pollinator Habitat and Community Funds
207U Committee Reviews Budget Adjustments, Facility Planning and Operations Issues
Joliet Junior College Board Approves $2 Tuition Increase Amidst Heated Debate Over Enrollment and Spending
207U Board Outlines Long-Term Planning Timeline, Reviews Academic and District Updates
207U Board Tables Activity Bus Lease After Cost, Timing Concerns