County Authorizes Condemnation for Francis Road Project
June 3, 2025/
The committee authorized the State’s Attorney’s Office to proceed with condemnation cases for right-of-way acquisition needed for Francis Road improvements between Gougar Road and Interstate 80.
Eight property parcels are involved in the condemnation proceedings, including properties owned by the Joliet Park District, Commonwealth Edison Company, and several private property owners.
The Francis Road project will reconstruct the roadway to current standards and improve drainage in the corridor. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026 pending completion of right-of-way acquisition.
County officials said attempts to negotiate voluntary acquisitions were unsuccessful, necessitating the legal condemnation process.
Latest News Stories
L.A. congresswoman insists on health insurance tax credits
By Dave MasonThe Center Square Democrats won’t reopen the federal government if America’s health care remains at risk, U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Los Angeles, told thousands of people at AIDS...
Newsom threatens university funding over Trump’s education deal
By Esther WickhamThe Center Square California Gov. Gavin Newsom warned state universities that signing the Trump administration's education agreement would put them in direct conflict with his administration. Newsom issued...
Former Los Angeles schools chief runs against city’s mayor
By Dave MasonThe Center Square Andrew Beutner, former superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, announced Monday he’s running against Mayor Karen Bass. Beutner, 65, launched his campaign during...
Illinois quick hits: WARN report layoffs total 1,689; Powerball winners in Rochelle and Colona
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square WARN report layoffs total 1,689 According to the latest Illinois Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) notice, 1,689 employees across...
No ethics reform in sight as ex-speaker’s scheduled prison term begins
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As his predecessor’s scheduled 7.5-year prison term for public corruption begins, the speaker of the Illinois House...
Trump losing ground on economy, poll finds
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Donald Trump rode a poor economy back to the White House during his 2024 campaign, but seven months into his second term, most voters aren't...
Major tech company to cut H-1B visas amid Trump pressure, fee
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Tata Consultancy Services, a large employer of H-1B visa holders in the United States, will stop using the program due to new fees from the...
US, India to hold new round of trade talks, with focus on energy
By Alton WallaceThe Center Square India and the United States will resume trade talks this week in Washington, with the Trump administration seeking increased purchases of U.S. oil and gas...
Johnson: Republicans ‘have plans’ to ‘fix’ Obamacare
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square As the ongoing government shutdown enters its third week, Republican leaders are reminding Democrats that by blocking the House-passed funding bill, they are also delaying...
Illinois House Speaker: ‘Mr. Trump, tear down this fence!’
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The speaker of the Illinois House has compared a fence outside U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in...
Energy cost concerns loom as legislators look at policy changes
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois legislators are set to begin the fall veto session Tuesday with some worried electric rate increases...
PJM exit: A price solution or power move?
By Lauren Jessop | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Surging electricity demand, an aging grid, and generation sources retiring faster than new ones can be...
Broadview, Illinois reduces ICE protest zone after ‘chaos,’ 15 arrests
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The village of Broadview, Illinois is reducing the area where protesters can stage near the Immigration and...
