ARTICLE SUMMARY: The Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee authorized two agreements totaling over $1.1 million for the ongoing reconstruction and widening of 80th Avenue between 191st and 183rd Streets.

Key Points:

• A $1,062,982 supplemental agreement with Alfred Benesch and Company covers additional construction engineering services due to utility-related delays.

• A separate agreement authorizes reimbursement of up to $58,556.88 to AT&T for relocating its facilities to accommodate the project.

JOLIET—A major road improvement project on 80th Avenue is moving forward after the Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee approved two agreements Tuesday worth more than $1.1 million combined.

The committee authorized a supplemental professional services agreement with Alfred Benesch and Company for $1,062,982 to cover continued construction engineering. According to project documents, the additional services are needed due to a contract extension caused by utility conflict delays.

A second agreement authorizes the county to reimburse Illinois Bell Telephone Company, doing business as AT&T, up to $58,556.88 for the cost of relocating its facilities within the project area. The work is necessary to accommodate the roadway improvements between 191st Street and 183rd Street in County Board District 4.

According to a recent construction status report, work is advancing on the Union Ditch bridge on 80th Avenue. Upcoming work includes installing timber piles for ground improvement, steel mast arms for permanent traffic signals, and conduit for a future fiber optic line for the Village of Tinley Park. The overall project includes pavement reconstruction, widening, and a new expressway overpass.

Both agreements were approved unanimously by the committee.