County Authorizes Condemnation for Francis Road Project
June 3, 2025/
The committee authorized the State’s Attorney’s Office to proceed with condemnation cases for right-of-way acquisition needed for Francis Road improvements between Gougar Road and Interstate 80.
Eight property parcels are involved in the condemnation proceedings, including properties owned by the Joliet Park District, Commonwealth Edison Company, and several private property owners.
The Francis Road project will reconstruct the roadway to current standards and improve drainage in the corridor. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026 pending completion of right-of-way acquisition.
County officials said attempts to negotiate voluntary acquisitions were unsuccessful, necessitating the legal condemnation process.
Latest News Stories
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Jackson Township Board September 2025
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Jackson Township Board Meeting | September 10, 2025 The Jackson Township Board met on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, to handle standard monthly business, including the approval...
Manhattan Seeks $250,000 State Grant for Safe Routes to School Program
Village of Manhattan Board Meeting - October 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Village of Manhattan is applying for a grant of up to $250,000 from the Illinois Department of Transportation's...
Lincoln-Way Board Honors Students with Perfect ACT Scores, Music Educator of the Year
LW210 Board of Education Meeting | October 16, 2025 Article Summary: Lincoln-Way District 210 celebrated exceptional academic and faculty achievement by formally recognizing nine students who earned a perfect composite...
Manhattan 114 Reviews Fall Student Benchmark Data, Sees Strong Growth
Manhattan School District 114 Board Meeting | October 8, 2025 Article Summary: Manhattan School District 114's Director of Curriculum and Instruction presented the board with fall benchmark data, showing that...
Public Hearing for 41-Home Butternut Ridge South Subdivision Continued in Manhattan
Village of Manhattan Board Meeting - October 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Manhattan Village Board opened a public hearing for the annexation of the proposed Butternut Ridge South development but...
Lincoln-Way Support Staff Union Rejects Tentative Contract Agreement
LW210 Board of Education Meeting | October 16, 2025 Article Summary: Members of the Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 support staff union have voted down a tentative five-year contract...
Highway Commissioner Reports on Equipment Updates and Millsdale Road Closure
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Jackson Township Board Meeting | September 10, 2025 Article Summary: Highway Commissioner Walsh provided updates on department equipment and road projects during the September 10 board...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Legislative Committee for October 7, 2025
The Will County Legislative Committee held a long and contentious meeting on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, highlighted by the narrow 4-3 passage of a controversial resolution supporting protections for immigrant...
Parents, Mayor Raise Concerns Over Special Education Services at Manhattan 114 Board Meeting
Manhattan School District 114 Board Meeting | October 8, 2025 Article Summary: Parents of a special needs student, supported by a statement from Manhattan's mayor, addressed the Manhattan School District...
Manhattan Awards Over $1.3 Million in Bids for Major Water Main Upgrades
Village of Manhattan Board Meeting - October 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Manhattan Village Board awarded three separate contracts totaling over $1.38 million for significant water infrastructure projects, including improvements...
Will County Board Committee Passes Contentious ‘Live and Work Without Fear’ Resolution on 4-3 Vote
Will County Legislative Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Legislative Committee on Tuesday narrowly passed a controversial resolution affirming the county's commitment to ensuring all residents...
Will County Awards $10.4 Million Contract for Bell Road Widening in Homer Glen Area
Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee on Tuesday confirmed the award of a $10.4 million...
Manhattan Township to Set Solar Farm Rules Amid Concerns with Area Projects
Manhattan Township Meeting | September 9, 2025 Article Summary: Manhattan Township will hold a special meeting to establish guidelines for solar energy facilities after officials reported significant construction-related problems at...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee for October 7, 2025
The Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, approved a major construction contract and reviewed extensive plans for both county and state transportation initiatives. The...