Will County Board Revives Bridge Project Discussions
The Will County Board has resumed talks about constructing a new bridge over the Des Plaines River Valley. This idea was initially set aside four years ago. At that time, the county and relevant municipalities found it financially unfeasible. In 2022, the estimated cost for building the bridge and upgrading an 11-mile corridor through Crest Hill, Lockport, and Homer and Lockport Townships was around $617.6 million. Jeff Ronaldson, director of the Will County Division of Transportation, indicated this cost is likely higher today.
The Illinois Department of Transportation did not want to fund the project. Local municipalities and townships were also unable to cover part of the expenses, according to Ronaldson. Discussions on the Caton Farm-Bruce Road Regional Transportation Corridor have been ongoing for over 25 years. The proposal includes a new bridge over the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, the Des Plaines River, and the Illinois and Michigan Canal. Talks began in 2001 and focused on various roadway alignments over several years.
In 2022, the County Board decided to shift the project to a planning and environmental linkages study. Ronaldson explained this was a formal pause allowing officials to restart where they left off, avoiding starting over. He mentioned some information might now be outdated.
Several board members think new discussions are necessary. This belief is especially pertinent as the 9th Street Bridge near downtown Lockport will soon undergo significant construction. Other east-west crossings over the Des Plaines River Valley exist in Romeoville and Joliet. Board members acknowledge a new bridge couldn’t be completed before work on the 9th Street Bridge begins. Still, they want to address bottlenecks, travel delays, and growing traffic. Traffic issues are expected to worsen, said board member Dave Oxley, a Lockport Republican. He expressed concern about traffic congestion affecting local fire departments and paramedics.
During a special meeting called Thursday, no action was taken. However, Mark Revis, vice-chair of the Public Works and Transportation Committee, suggested forming a committee to explore the project. Alternatively, board members might write to state and federal lawmakers for funding. Revis emphasized the opportunity to unite multiple municipalities, government units, and businesses to ease Will County’s recurring traffic bottlenecks.
The proposed 11-mile corridor would link U.S. Route 30, Gaylord Road, and Caton Farm Road in Crest Hill with Cedar Road and 159th Street in Homer Glen. Approximately 157 acres are needed for land acquisitions, impacting agricultural, commercial, and residential areas, Revis said. He noted the corridor is also lined with schools, businesses, forest preserves, and more.
Ronaldson mentioned infrastructure on both sides of the river must improve to ensure smooth traffic flow to and from the bridge. Crest Hill Mayor Ray Soliman stated the city’s position hasn’t changed from four years ago. The city cannot afford its share of the bridge and corridor improvements. Soliman is pleased talks have resumed but believes Will County or IDOT needs to spearhead the project.
Board members discussed how to potentially make the project feasible, focusing on funding and determining responsible government entities. Steve Balich, a Homer Glen Republican, proposed the bridge could be a toll road. He suggested exploring partnerships with the Illinois Tollway. Julie Berkowicz, a County Board Republican from Naperville, urged lobbying federal and state representatives for support.
Democratic Leader Sherry Williams, of Crest Hill, expressed concern about the project’s impact on Lockport Township’s Fairmont community. She cited potential issues for children traveling to school with a new road splitting the neighborhood. Both Revis and Williams agree the Fairmont area should not suffer negative effects.