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.
Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Illinois news in brief: Prosecutors indict felon on pretrial release for fentanyl trafficking; Rockford men charged after child abuse investigation; Cairo bridge to reopen
Trump highlights election integrity threats, accuses China of meddling
Med school dean questioned over antisemitism, DEI
Illinois Quick Hits: Unemployment holds at 5.1% in Illinois
Ammons pleads not guilty, wants to delay House investigation
Advocate calls for stronger IDOC oversight after payroll fraud guilty plea
Illinois Quick Hits: FAFSA applications rise with increase in state taxpayer funding
Appeals court: Chicago’s ‘climate disinformation’ case belongs in Cook County
Bipartisan bill would force vote before Social Security cuts hit
Court OKs $45M verdict in talc asbestos case, including $30M for ‘reduced lifespan’
Taxpayers to fund $424.9M soccer stadium infrastructure
Illinois Quick Hits: Benton pulls name from ballot after resignation
