County Authorizes Condemnation to Advance Francis and Marley Road Improvements

Will County Board Meeting | January 15, 2026

Article Summary: To facilitate safety improvements at the intersection of Francis Road and Marley Road in New Lenox Township, the Will County Board authorized the State’s Attorney to proceed with condemnation proceedings to acquire necessary right-of-way.

Francis/Marley Intersection Key Points:

• Location: The intersection of Francis Road (County Highway 64) and Marley Road, affecting County Board Districts 2, 4, and 5.

• Action Taken: The board appropriated $175,980 for land acquisition and authorized the use of eminent domain if negotiations fail.

• Scope of Work: Improvements include turn lanes, traffic signals, roadway reconstruction, and drainage upgrades.

• Affected Parcels: The county listed six specific parcels for acquisition involving fee simple and temporary easements.

The Will County Board moved forward Thursday with a plan to reconstruct the intersection of Francis Road and Marley Road in New Lenox Township, authorizing the use of condemnation power to acquire the land needed for the project.

The board passed Resolution 26-014, stating that while the county has attempted to negotiate with property owners, they have been “unable to reach an agreement of fair market value” for certain parcels. Consequently, the board authorized the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office to commence condemnation proceedings to ensure the project can proceed.

A companion resolution appropriated $175,980 from county transportation funds to pay for the land acquisition.

The project aims to improve safety and traffic flow at the intersection. Planned upgrades include the installation of traffic signals, the addition of turn lanes, drainage improvements, and general roadway reconstruction. The acquisition list includes six parcels of land needed for both permanent right-of-way and temporary construction easements.