Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee for January 6, 2026

Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026

Meeting Summary
The Will County Board Public Works & Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, to discuss a range of infrastructure projects and contracts. The meeting was dominated by a debate over a proposed agreement with the Illinois State Police to install license plate reading cameras on county roads, which resulted in a vote to postpone the decision for one month. In other business, the committee moved forward with significant investments in roadway safety, including a $18.8 million bridge project for Lorenzo Road and a $3.2 million engineering contract for Mills Road.

The committee also engaged in a strategic discussion regarding the potential takeover of a section of Kankakee County Line Road to ensure better long-term maintenance and bridge safety for the southern portion of the county. Routine maintenance contracts and access permits were also approved during the session.

News Briefs

Laraway Road Access Granted:
The committee approved a request from Northern Builders for two new access points on Laraway Road (County Highway 74). The access points will serve a new development located approximately 1,100 feet west of Gougar Road and directly south of Gougar Road in County Board District 2. This approval allows for ingress and egress for new businesses planned for the site.

Bluff Road Project Initiated:
Director of Transportation Jeff Ronaldson presented a proposal to initiate a reconstruction project for Bluff Road (County Highway 77) in Channahon, between US Route 6 and the I-55 West Frontage Road. The project aims to reconstruct the aging roadway to current standards, including curb and gutter and potential turn lanes. The committee concurred with moving forward to secure a negotiated contract for engineering services.

Tree Removal Contract Awarded:
The committee confirmed the award of a $70,336.50 contract to Homer Tree Service, Inc. for countywide tree removal. The project involves removing trees within the existing right-of-way of various county highways across all board districts. Work is estimated to begin in February 2026 and conclude by March 31, 2026.

Bridge Inspection Services Approved:
A professional services agreement was approved with Willett, Hofmann & Associates for the 2026 biennial bridge inspections. The contract, valued at $140,220.00, covers the inspection of various structures throughout Will County Districts 1 through 11 to ensure safety and compliance with state and federal regulations.