Public Works Committee Briefs
June 3, 2025/
Major Projects Update: Construction continues on several major projects including the 80th Avenue expressway overpass, Laraway Road widening near Cedar Road, and Bell Road improvements. The Bell Road project at 143rd Street intersection experienced utility conflicts that are being resolved.
Utility Agreement: The committee approved a $1.4 million reimbursement agreement with Nicor Gas Company for relocating facilities during Laraway Road improvements between Cedar Road and Spencer Road.
Public Information Meeting: The county will hold a public meeting June 26 from 4-7 p.m. at Peotone High School regarding the Eastern Will County freight mobility study. The meeting will present design alternatives for public comment.
Future Planning: Director Ronaldson noted that next year’s transportation improvement program will be based on the 2050 long-range transportation plan currently nearing completion, potentially adding new priority projects to the program.
Latest News Stories
Divided Will County Board Authorizes Condemnation for 143rd Street Widening
Article Summary: Following intense debate and emotional public testimony, the Will County Board narrowly approved a resolution to begin condemnation proceedings for the controversial widening of 143rd Street in Homer...
Will County Committee Approves Preliminary $161.6M Tax Levy on Split Vote Amid Heated Debate Over Spending
Will County Finance Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Finance Committee on Tuesday narrowly approved a preliminary $161.6 million property tax levy for 2025, which projects...
Will County Eyes Major Overhaul to Consolidate Scattered Government Offices
Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: Will County officials are formally debating a new facilities master plan to address aging buildings and dozens...
Sheriff’s Office Reports Crime Down 10%, Cites Body Cam Footage as Main Challenge of Safety Act
Will County Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting October 2, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Sheriff's Office reported a nearly 10% overall drop in crime compared to the same...
Will County Considers Moving Land Use Public Hearings Away from Full Board Meetings
Will County Executive Committee Meeting October 9, 2025 Article Summary: A proposal to move the final public hearing for zoning and land use cases from the full Will County Board...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Jackson Township Board for August 13, 2025
The Jackson Township Board took the next step in reviewing a proposed anaerobic digester project at its meeting on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, referring the plan from Elwood81, LLC, to...
Jackson Township to Investigate Decade-Old High-Speed Rail Plan Through Elwood
Article Summary: Jackson Township officials are seeking information on a high-speed rail plan dating back to 2012 that would route a passenger line through the Elwood area. Supervisor Matt Robbins...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan Park Board for August 14, 2025
The Manhattan Park Board made significant progress on its flagship Round Barn Farm project during its meeting on August 14, 2025. Commissioners unanimously approved hiring a new architect, Arete Design...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board for September 18, 2025
The Will County Board navigated a contentious meeting on September 18, 2025, marked by narrow votes on two highly debated land use issues in Crete and Homer Glen. The board...
Jackson Township Approves Settlement with Joliet, Union Pacific Over ICC Case
Article Summary: The Jackson Township Board unanimously approved a settlement agreement involving the City of Joliet and Union Pacific Railroad, formally resolving a multi-year case before the Illinois Commerce Commission....
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education for September 18, 2025
The Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education on Thursday, September 18, 2025, formally adopted a $172.7 million budget for the 2025-2026 school year. The budget includes a...
Manhattan Park Board Deadlocks on Paying for Sports Complex Plan, Motion Fails
Article Summary: A proposal for the Manhattan Park District to fund an architectural concept plan for a new sports complex failed to pass on Thursday, August 14, 2025, after a...
Manhattan-Elwood Library Board Adopts Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance
Article Summary: The Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District Board of Trustees has formally adopted its budget for the upcoming fiscal year following a public hearing. The approval of the combined Budget...
Lincoln-Way 210 to Launch District Literacy Plan, Expands Community Partnerships
Article Summary: As part of its strategic plan, Lincoln-Way High School District 210 is developing a comprehensive literacy plan to embed critical thinking skills across the curriculum. The district is also...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan School District 114 Board of Education for September 17, 2025
The Manhattan School District 114 Board of Education heard emotional testimony from parents regarding serious transportation safety and timeliness issues at its Wednesday meeting. The board also formally approved the...