Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting November 3, 2026

The Will County Board Public Works & Transportation Committee met November 3, 2026. The committee approved a request for quick-take authority to acquire highway right-of-way for the Galer Road improvement over the Canadian National Railway (item 26-5672). Staff said negotiations and offers to property owners are underway and that quick-take could shorten delays and reduce cost increases; a church representative raised concerns about impacts to the church property and septic system. Staff said alternatives, including underground stormwater detention, could be discussed during negotiations. The committee also approved intergovernmental agreements for license-plate-reader camera placement on county highways with New Lenox and Shanahan. Beecher’s related request was postponed for another month while staff seeks compliance with county requirements. Members discussed a proposed ordinance addressing misuse of license-plate-reader data, but no ordinance action was taken. A pedestrian-crossing treatment near the adult detention center was discussed only; an approximate cost of $5,000 per post was mentioned, with staff to identify the appropriate agency and permitting process.

The committee approved an intergovernmental agreement with New Lenox for engineering services and construction of a railroad quiet zone at the Metra crossing at Galer Road (item 26-5762). An Access Will quarterly report noted about 25,000 rides through July and a forecast of roughly 45,000 rides for 2026. The program receives support from Pace and partner agencies; the presenter reported a $900,000 NITA funding award covering this year and next year. Members also discussed possible future expansion of evening or weekend service, but no funding or procurement action was taken on that topic.