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
Everyday Economics: Softer tape, PCE in focus, and the Fed’s next move
By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square This summer, economic signals leaned softer. Hiring looks frozen, retail sales volumes are flat to slightly negative, and existing-home sales are essentially unchanged from a...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan School District 114 Board of Education for August 13, 2025
The Manhattan School District 114 Board of Education’s August meeting marked a major milestone, as the board gave its final approval to a new collective bargaining agreement with the district's...
Marine’s mother takes on troop transport duties for family visits
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square When Army Specialist Dakota Barnes considered flying home to California for Christmas last year, she knew she couldn't afford it without giving up her yearly...
Trump plans to clean up Democrat-run cities over local objections
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump plans to clean up major U.S. cities that he says are plagued by crime. Democrats see his plans to use military troops...
Will County Board Formally Opposes Heavier, Longer Trucks on National Roadways
Article Summary: The Will County Board unanimously passed a resolution opposing any federal legislation that would increase the size and weight limits for commercial trucks on the nation's roadways. The...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan Park Board for July 2025
Manhattan Park Board Meeting | July 2025 The Manhattan Park Board took a major step forward on its signature Round Barn Farm restoration project at its meeting on Thursday, July...
School Board Debates Governance Structure, Tables Decision Until November
Article Summary: The Manhattan School District 114 Board of Education held a discussion on whether to overhaul its committee structure but opted to delay any decision until November, allowing time...
Energy advocate applauds oil and gas commingling updates
By Tate MillerThe Center Square Oil and gas commingling rules have been updated in accordance with the Big Beautiful Bill in order to strengthen energy production and safety, with energy...
Will County Board Approves Permits for Landscaping Business and Restaurant Liquor Service in Frankfort Area
Article SummaryThe Will County Board unanimously approved three separate special use permits for businesses in the Frankfort area, allowing a landscaping operation in Green Garden Township to continue and two...
Board Approves Engineering Contracts for Mokena Road Widening
Article SummaryThe Will County Board approved over $1.1 million in supplemental engineering contracts to advance the ongoing 80th Avenue improvement project in Mokena. The additional funding addresses project delays and...
Will County Awards $1.46 Million Contract for Kankakee Street Bridge Replacement in Manhattan Township
Article SummaryThe Will County Board has awarded a $1.46 million contract to "D" Construction, Inc. of Coal City to replace the Kankakee Street Bridge over Jackson Creek in Manhattan Township....
Crete Township Community Center to Get New Digital Sign
Article Summary: The Will County Board approved a special use permit and two variances for Crete Township, allowing for the installation of a new on-premise dynamic display sign at its...
Texas legislature passes redistricting map, governor to sign into law
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square )The Center Squar) – The Texas Senate passed HB 4, the state’s congressional redistricting plan, which changes nearly all districts and could flip up to...