The Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee received a detailed presentation on “Our Way Forward 2050,” a new 25-year long-range plan designed to guide the region’s transportation infrastructure through mid-century. The plan, shaped by extensive public feedback, addresses projected population growth and the continued logistics boom but also forecasts a $258 million funding shortfall for all needed county road projects. For more details on the plan and its financial analysis, see the full story.

The committee also advanced several current infrastructure projects, approving over $1.7 million in supplemental contracts for engineering and utility relocation on Bell Road and 80th Avenue. Officials confirmed that a key stretch of Bell Road is slated to have all lanes reopened by Thanksgiving. Separately, public concern was voiced over the proposed widening of 143rd Street in Homer Glenn, with committee members signaling a “tentative agreement” is being discussed to find a resolution.

Public Meeting Tonight for Mills-Cherry Hill Road Study
Will County is hosting a public information meeting on Tuesday, August 5, for the Mills-Cherry Hill Road Study. The open-house-style meeting will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Nowell Park Recreation Center, 199 Mills Rd., Joliet. Residents are invited to learn more and provide input on the preferred alternative for the corridor, which connects suburban, rural, and industrial properties.

County Approves $1.46M for Manhattan Township Bridge Replacement
The committee confirmed a contract award of nearly $1.47 million to “D” Construction, Inc. for the replacement of the Kankakee Street Bridge over Jackson Creek in the Manhattan Road District. The project includes removing the existing bridge and constructing a new single-span slab bridge. According to a project summary, construction is estimated to begin in April 2026 and will require the roadway to be closed with a posted detour.

Contract Awarded for Road District Oil
A contract was confirmed with Tri-State Asphalt, LLC for road oil materials for the Will Road District. The company was the low bidder at a price of $2.82 per gallon. The materials, used for public highway improvements, will be paid for using the Road District’s allotment of Motor Fuel Tax funds, according to the resolution passed by the committee.

Design Engineering for Manhattan Township Road Approved
An agreement for supplemental design engineering services with Ciorba Group, Inc. was approved for work in the Manhattan Township Road District. The $42,750 contract is for Phase II design for the replacement of the Kankakee Street structure over Jackson Creek. The additional services are required to revise the design to accommodate a request from the Forest Preserve District of Will County.

Summer Maintenance Work Continues Across County Roads
According to a monthly report from the Maintenance Division, county crews are continuing with seasonal duties, including grass mowing, street sweeping, and sign repairs. Crews recently spent several days cleaning up trees that had fallen on or within the county right-of-way from storms on July 14th and 15th. Work also continues on replacing damaged culverts and improving drainage through ditch cleaning and regrading.