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
Report: Illinois U.S. Rep faces minimal penalty after disclosure violations
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – According to a new report, Illinois U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson has violated federal law by making late...
18 were injured, 2 killed in Minneapolis shooting
By Jon StyfThe Center Square A total of 18 victims were injured and two were killed in a Wednesday shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis, a total reached after...
Trump HHS tells states to remove gender ideology from sex ed or lose PREP funding
By Tate MillerThe Center Square The Trump administration directed 46 states and territories to remove gender ideology from their sex ed materials or else face possible termination of federal Personal...
Americans could face ‘sticker shock’ as once-small tax exemption ends
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Americans could be in for a surprise when a nearly century-old trade rule that allowed shoppers to avoid President Donald Trump's tariffs expires on Friday....
‘Pro-taxpayer’ law requires operators to clean up abandoned Illinois oil wells
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A state lawmaker says recently-signed legislation will ensure that Illinois taxpayers don’t foot the bill for cleaning...
Watch: Cook County gun ban plaintiffs petition SCOTUS; Pritzker hasn’t heard from White House
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop gets to the...
Illinois quick hits: Man on pretrial release accused of murder; holiday weekend impaired driving patrols
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Man on pretrial release accused of murder After reportedly violating curfew dozens of times while wearing an ankle monitor, a man...
Illinois quick hits: Gun ban challengers petition SCOTUS; man sentenced for COVID fraud
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Gun ban challengers petition SCOTUS The Second Amendment Foundation is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to take a challenge to Cook...
WATCH: Trump: Illinois’ ‘slob of a governor’ should call for help with public safety
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he has not received communication from the federal government about potential troop...
WATCH: Legislator says Illinois’ child welfare agency uses interns, has legal exposure
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois state legislator insists the state’s child welfare agency is violating the law by using interns...
Economic index shows reduced uncertainty, more stability in Midwest
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Survey of Economic Conditions Activity Index suggests more stability and less...
New law sparks debate over Illinois school mergers, communities fear loss
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new law that could push school districts to study possible consolidation, aiming for efficiency and...
Joliet Plan to Barricade Millsdale Road Will Reroute Jackson Township Traffic
Article Summary: The City of Joliet plans to permanently barricade Millsdale Road at its railroad crossing, creating a cul-de-sac that will divert traffic in Jackson Township onto Manhattan Road. Jackson...