County Approves $22 Million in Road Projects for Lorenzo Road and Mills Road
Will County Board Meeting | January 15, 2026
Article Summary: The Will County Board approved major infrastructure contracts, including an $18.8 million bridge replacement on Lorenzo Road and a $3.2 million design contract for the Mills Road corridor. These projects aim to improve freight mobility and safety in key transportation districts.
Public Works Committee Key Points:
-
Lorenzo Road Bridge: “D” Construction, Inc. was awarded an $18,872,967.20 contract to replace the bridge carrying Lorenzo Road over the BNSF Railway.
-
Mills Road Design: HDR, Inc. was awarded a $3,204,964 contract for Phase II design engineering on Mills Road from US Route 52 to Briggs Street.
-
Right-of-Way Acquisition: The board appropriated $175,980 for land acquisition related to improvements at Francis Road and Marley Road.
The Will County Board on Thursday, January 15, 2026, authorized substantial investments in county transportation infrastructure, approving construction and design contracts totaling over $22 million.
The largest expenditure approved was an $18,872,967.20 contract awarded to “D” Construction, Inc. of Coal City. The project involves the construction of a new two-span bridge carrying Lorenzo Road (County Highway 80) over the BNSF Railway in County Board District 1. The work includes realigning Cottage Road and constructing a temporary runaround to keep traffic moving during the project. Construction is estimated to begin in February 2026 with a completion date of November 2027.
In County Board District 6, the board authorized a professional services agreement with HDR, Inc. for $3,204,964. HDR will provide Phase II design engineering services for the improvement of Mills Road (County Highway 51) from US Route 52 to Briggs Street. The project aims to reconstruct and channelize the corridor to improve safety and drainage.
Additionally, the board approved a resolution appropriating $175,980 for right-of-way acquisition for intersection improvements at Francis Road (County Highway 64) and Marley Road. The resolution also authorized the State’s Attorney’s Office to proceed with condemnation proceedings if necessary to acquire the required parcels for the public safety project, which touches County Board Districts 2, 4, and 5.
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