Public Works Committee Advances $3.2 Million Engineering Contract for Mills Road Reconstruction

Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026

Article Summary: The committee forwarded a resolution to award a $3.2 million contract to HDR Engineering, Inc. for Phase II design engineering of the Mills Road and Cherry Hill Road corridor. The project aims to reconstruct and widen the roadway to improve safety and drainage.

Mills Road Engineering Contract Key Points:

• Project Limits: Mills Road/Cherry Hill Road from US Route 52 to 1,300 feet east of Briggs Street.

• Contract Value: $3,204,964.00 awarded to HDR Engineering, Inc.

• Scope of Work: Includes roadway reconstruction, widening, drainage improvements, and a new bike path.

• Municipality Impact: The project is located in unincorporated Will County and the City of Joliet, impacting District 6.

The Will County Board Public Works & Transportation Committee on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, approved a professional services agreement with HDR Engineering, Inc. for Phase II design engineering of the Mills Road and Cherry Hill Road corridor.

The $3,204,964 contract covers the design work for improvements from US Route 52 to approximately a quarter-mile east of Briggs Street. The project aims to address the condition of the roadway through reconstruction and widening.

According to the scope of services outlined in the meeting documents, the project will include the design of a closed drainage system, storm sewers, and detention facilities. The plan also includes a bike path design to accommodate non-motorized transportation.

The engineering phase will involve supplemental topographic surveys, geotechnical investigations, and coordination with utility companies. The consultant will also prepare plans for traffic control, as the road is expected to remain open to one lane of traffic in each direction during future construction phases.

Specific intersection improvements included in the design scope cover Richards Street, Neal Avenue, Rowell Avenue, Hill Street, Herman Lane, and Briggs Street.

The resolution now moves to the full County Board for final approval.