Will County Board Halts Transportation Plan After Contentious 143rd Street Debate

The Will County Board voted Wednesday to send its five-year, multi-million dollar transportation improvement plan back to committee, effectively pausing all projects after a lengthy and heated debate over the planned expansion of 143rd Street in the Homer Glen area.

The decision came after a motion to refer the entire Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for fiscal years 2026-2031 back to the Public Works & Transportation Committee passed on a narrow 11-9 vote. The move was initiated by Member Daniel Butler, who argued the plan lacked sufficient detail, cost analysis, and clear priorities.

“I just need more details,” Butler said. “I would like to know, you know, for instance, when we decide to put a road in here, is it going to be this year, next year? I would just like to see much more detail.”

The referral followed a failed attempt by Member Steve Balich to specifically remove the controversial 143rd Street five-lane expansion project from the plan. That motion was defeated 12-8.

Opponents of the 143rd Street project, including Balich, Member Jim Richmond, and Member David Oxley, argued it would destroy the area’s rural character, negatively impact three schools, and create a hardship for residents. They also questioned the project’s necessity, given the previous expansion of nearby 159th Street.

“If this road goes through, we’re creating a hardship for everybody that lives on 143rd Street,” Balich argued, adding that the mayors of both Homer Glen and Orland Park oppose the project. “This is going to be an ongoing problem until it’s settled.”

County transportation officials and project supporters pushed back, citing safety concerns and fiscal responsibility. County Board Speaker Joe VanDuyne warned that altering the plan could have serious financial consequences.

“I’m afraid to take this out of the plan for the simple fact that the county has already invested over $6 million in design on the project,” VanDuyne stated. “Also, we risk the chance of losing $7 million from CMAP [Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning].”

Will County Engineer Jeff Ronaldson clarified that traffic on 143rd Street has increased by 3,000 vehicles per day since 159th Street was widened, rising to 15,300 vehicles daily in 2023. He also cautioned that removing the project from the TIP could jeopardize the federal funding allocated to it.

Despite the warnings, the board ultimately voted to send the entire plan back for more work. The Public Works & Transportation Committee is now tasked with re-evaluating the plan, with its next meeting scheduled for July 1.