Key Stretch of Bell Road on Track for Thanksgiving Reopening, Committee Approves Additional Funds

ARTICLE SUMMARY Construction on Bell Road between 159th and 151st Streets is scheduled to have all lanes open by Thanksgiving, officials announced as the Public Works & Transportation Committee approved a $652,896 supplemental contract for engineering services.

Key Points:

• The Thanksgiving target for reopening all lanes was confirmed by Director of Transportation Jeff Ronaldson.

• The supplemental agreement with AECOM Technical Services, Inc., is for continued construction engineering oversight as the project extends due to utility conflict delays.

JOLIET—Commuters navigating construction on Bell Road received good news Tuesday, as Will County’s transportation director announced that all lanes on the key stretch between 159th Street and 151st Street are expected to be open by Thanksgiving.

The update came as the Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee approved a supplemental professional services agreement for $652,896 with AECOM Technical Services, Inc., for continued construction engineering on the project.

“Essentially all lanes will be open by Thanksgiving,” Director of Transportation Jeff Ronaldson told the committee. He added that some minor work, such as landscaping and final surfacing, could carry over into the spring.

The contract extension with AECOM covers the cost of having the resident engineer and consulting firm oversee construction, which was extended due to delays caused by utility conflicts. The project involves the reconstruction and widening of the heavily traveled corridor in County Board District 4.

Board Member Steve Balich (R-Homer Glen) questioned Ronaldson about the timeline, noting that residents are “jumping up and down out there, which I get it.” Ronaldson confirmed the Thanksgiving target, solidifying the timeline for the much-anticipated reopening. The committee approved the supplemental agreement unanimously.