Will County Revives Bridge Project Discussions

Will County Board Reopens Bridge Project Talks

Will County Board members have rekindled conversations about building a new bridge across the Des Plaines River Valley. This idea was postponed four years ago when financial constraints deterred the county and local municipalities from pursuing the project.

Cost and Funding Challenges

By 2022, the estimated cost for constructing the bridge and enhancing an 11-mile corridor through areas like Crest Hill, Lockport, and Homer Townships reached approximately $617.6 million. Jeff Ronaldson, director of the Will County Division of Transportation, noted that costs have likely surged since then. The Illinois Department of Transportation showed no interest in financing the project. Local governments also found taking on the financial burden was unfeasible, according to Ronaldson.

Historical Context

For over 25 years, the Caton Farm-Bruce Road Regional Transportation Corridor has been under discussion. The proposal includes constructing a bridge over the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, Des Plaines River, and Illinois and Michigan Canal. Since talks began in 2001, officials spent years assessing different roadway alignments. In 2022, the County Board transitioned the project to a planning and environmental linkages study, allowing them to resume work without restarting entirely. Some information gathered during earlier studies might now be out of date, Ronaldson mentioned.

Need for Updated Discussions

Several board members believe that initiating new discussions is crucial, particularly as the 9th Street Bridge in downtown Lockport is due for significant construction. Additional east-west crossings exist in Romeoville and Joliet. Although a new bridge cannot precede the 9th Street Bridge project, addressing issues like bottlenecks, travel delays, and rising traffic is a priority.

Traffic concerns extend to emergency services. Dave Oxley, a Lockport Republican board member, worries about how congestion affects fire departments and paramedics on different river sides. The Board convened a special meeting to revisit the project, with no immediate actions taken.

Exploring Funding Options

Mark Revis, vice-chair of the Public Works and Transportation Committee, suggested forming a committee to examine the project further. Alternatively, board members might write to state and federal legislators seeking funding.

This is a perfect opportunity for us to be bridge builders, Revis explained, emphasizing uniting municipalities, governmental units, and community organizations in the cause.

The proposed 11-mile corridor connects Crest Hill at U.S. Route 30 with Cedar Road in Homer Glen. It involves acquiring 157 acres for right-of-way, affecting various land uses. Key infrastructure improvements are necessary on both river banks to ensure smooth traffic flow, Ronaldson stated.

Financial Viability and Community Considerations

Crest Hill Mayor Ray Soliman reiterated the city’s inability to finance its share of the project, given commitments to a separate major infrastructure initiative. The city aims to procure Lake Michigan water for residents, Soliman mentioned. He welcomed the revived talks but insisted that either Will County or IDOT spearhead the endeavor.

Suggestions to make the project feasible focused on funding sources. Board member Steve Balich from Homer Glen proposed considering a toll road and potential partnerships with the Illinois Tollway. Naperville’s Julie Berkowicz urged lobbying state and federal representatives for resources.

Democratic Leader Sherry Williams stressed the importance of mitigating negative impacts on the Fairmont community within Lockport Township, worrying about the repercussions of a new road bisecting the neighborhood. Revis agreed, underscoring the need for sensitivity towards community effects.