Will County Board Special Meeting October 1, 2026

The Will County Board held a special meeting on October 1, 2026, to discuss a proposed east–west bridge and road connection in the Lockport and central Will County area, focused on the Caton Farm–Bruce Road corridor and the existing Ninth Street Bridge. Board members and public speakers cited congestion, emergency access, regional growth, and potential disruption to Lockport businesses and Fairmont residents. The corridor is about 11 miles long, from Route 30 to Cedar Road; the board had advanced it to a PEL study in 2022. Officials cited a 2011 capital cost estimate of $617 million, a rough current estimate of $750 million or more, about $45 million for phase-two design as estimated in 2022, and approximately $1.55 million in additional annual maintenance. The county has spent more than $6 million studying the project, but it lacks committed partner funding; the county said it could not deliver the project alone. IDOT had previously declined to serve as lead sponsor, and several municipalities said they could not afford their potential shares.

Discussion focused on finding a project sponsor and securing state, federal, and regional contributions. Members suggested renewed outreach to IDOT and elected representatives, forming a regional commission or working group, and exploring toll-road financing; officials said a toll-road concept would be a separate project and would require new analysis. Public comments supported advancing a crossing while raising concerns about costs, property and community impacts, and the effect of bridge work on local businesses. No motion or vote was taken on sponsorship, funding, or project advancement, and no contract or procurement award was made. The only recorded motion was to adjourn; board members also requested that project documents be distributed to the full board.