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.
Today Jul 25
88° 73°
Partly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Illinois Quick Hits: General Assembly leaders promise budget transparency
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, and Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, say more than...
Justice Department agrees to appearance waiver for Comey
By Alan WootenThe Center Square Former FBI Director James Comey on Thursday requested his appearance in a North Carolina federal court be canceled, and the U.S. Department of Justice gave...
Manhattan School Board Approves Summer Roofing Contract, Prepares for Lighting and HVAC Upgrades
Manhattan School District 114 Board of Education Meeting | April 29, 2026 Article Summary: The Manhattan School District 114 Board of Education unanimously approved a summer roofing repair contract for...
Court strikes down Trump’s backup tariffs as unlawful
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square A federal trade court struck down President Donald Trump's latest global tariff on Thursday, ruling that the import taxes were unauthorized by law and ordering...
U.S. deficit projected to hit $2 trillion, double fiscal target
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The federal government is projected to post a $2 trillion deficit in fiscal year 2026, double the 3% of GDP target that has bipartisan support...
Iran targets Navy ships, U.S. responds; ceasefire in question
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Exactly one month after the U.S. declared a ceasefire with Iran, the U.S. struck Iranian military sites Thursday in retaliation for “unprovoked” attacks on a...
Iran targets Navy ships, U.S. responds; ceasefire in question
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Exactly one month after the U.S. declared a ceasefire with Iran, the U.S. struck Iranian military sites Thursday in retaliation for “unprovoked” attacks on a...
Fetterman: Democrats can’t ‘simply be the opposite’ of ‘whatever Trump says’
By John ColeThe Center Square After a series of votes and statements putting him at odds with his fellow Democrats over the past year, U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., says...
Lincoln-Way West Erupts for Eight Runs in Fifth Inning to Run-Rule Andrew 12-2
The Lincoln-Way West varsity baseball team broke open a close conference matchup on Wednesday afternoon, utilizing a massive eight-run fifth inning to secure a 12-2 walk-off run-rule victory over visiting...
Bahamas parliament candidate faces scrutiny over ties to accused cocaine smuggler
By Tom JoyceThe Center Square (The Center Square ) – A former Bahamian national security minister running for parliament faces growing scrutiny ahead of next week’s general election over his...
Bahamas parliament candidate faces scrutiny over ties to accused cocaine smuggler
By Tom JoyceThe Center Square (The Center Square ) – A former Bahamian national security minister running for parliament faces growing scrutiny ahead of next week’s general election over his...
Lincoln-Way West Bats Erupt with Five Home Runs in 18-2 Rout of Stagg
The Lincoln-Way West varsity softball team unleashed a relentless offensive barrage on Wednesday, blasting five home runs to decisively defeat visiting Stagg 18-2 in conference play. The Warriors established their...
Clashing housing availability, affordability proposals weighed in Springfield
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Plans to cut red tape and create less restrictive zoning laws statewide has been a major focus...
