Will County’s Public Works and Transportation Committee accepted a $140,143.90 donation from a developer in lieu of constructing traffic improvements along Laraway Road.

The donation comes from the Lakes Park subdivision development and will be used for county road improvements in the area, including left and right turn lanes that will serve the new subdivision.

Director of Transportation Jeff Ronaldson explained that when developers need traffic improvements but the county has its own construction project planned nearby, the county can accept a monetary contribution instead of having the developer build temporary improvements.

“When a development comes in and they need to do turn lanes or improvements along the roadway and we also have our own project coming along right around the corner, we don’t feel it is necessary for the left turn lane to be in while it’s being constructed,” Ronaldson said.

The Lakes Park development is located along Laraway Road in county board District 2. The donation amount represents 130% of the estimated construction cost, providing a contingency in case bids come in higher than expected.

Committee member Mark Revis questioned whether the county could negotiate for a higher percentage, but Ronaldson said 30% is the industry standard contingency.

The committee approved accepting the donation unanimously.