Will County Board members are discussing the potential construction of a new bridge over the Des Plaines River Valley, a project set aside four years ago due to financial concerns. In 2022, the estimate to build the bridge and enhance an 11-mile corridor through Crest Hill, Lockport, and Homer Townships was roughly $617.6 million. Prices have likely increased since then, according to Jeff Ronaldson, Director of the Will County Division of Transportation.
The Illinois Department of Transportation did not express interest in funding the initiative. It was also financially unfeasible for municipalities or townships to shoulder part of the costs, Ronaldson noted. For more than 25 years, Will County has been debating this proposal, which includes a new bridge over the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, the Des Plaines River, and the Illinois and Michigan Canal. Initial discussions began in 2001, spending several years evaluating road alignments.
In 2022, the County Board decided to transition the project to a planning and environmental linkages study. This move serves as a formal pause, allowing officials to resume previous work without starting anew, Ronaldson explained. However, some data might be outdated, he said. Several board members emphasized the need for renewed discussions due to impending major construction on the 9th Street Bridge near downtown Lockport. Other east-west crossings over the Des Plaines River Valley exist in Romeoville and Joliet.
Though a new bridge cannot be completed before the 9th Street roadwork begins, board members aim to address bottlenecks, travel delays, and rising traffic in the area. Traffic congestion is expected to worsen, stated board member Dave Oxley, a Lockport Republican. He expressed particular concern for fire departments and paramedics experiencing congestion-related issues.
The board called a special meeting to revive these discussions. While no decisions were made, Vice-Chair Mark Revis 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 to request funding.
Will County Board members discuss a previously shelved plan to build a bridge over the Des Plaines River during a meeting in Joliet. (Michelle Mullins/Daily Southtown)
“This is a perfect opportunity for us to be bridge builders,” said Revis, a Plainfield Republican. “I’m referring to us uniting municipalities, government units, fire departments, park districts, forest preserves, and businesses behind the goal of alleviating traffic bottlenecks in central Will County.”
The 11-mile corridor would link the six corners at U.S. Route 30, Gaylord Road, and Caton Farm Road in Crest Hill with Cedar Road and 159th Street in Homer Glen. The area requires about 157 acres for right-of-way acquisitions from agricultural, commercial, and residential sectors, Revis noted. The corridor is also surrounded by schools, businesses, forest preserves, churches, and cemeteries.
Infrastructure improvements on both sides of the river must ensure smooth traffic flow to and from the bridge, Ronaldson emphasized. Crest Hill Mayor Ray Soliman reiterated the city’s financial stance: the city cannot afford its portion of the bridge and corridor enhancements while managing another major capital project for Lake Michigan water supply.
Soliman expressed satisfaction with the revived talks but stated that Will County or IDOT needs to sponsor the project. Board members proposed ways to make the project viable, yet agreed financing remains the primary hurdle.
Board member Steve Balich suggested the bridge could operate as a toll road, recommending partnerships with the Illinois Tollway. Julie Berkowicz advocated for lobbying federal and state representatives for funding. Democratic Leader Sherry Williams voiced concerns regarding adverse effects — particularly on Lockport Township’s Fairmont community, with potential impacts on school children.
Revis echoed these concerns, insisting on avoiding negative repercussions for the Fairmont area.
Michelle Mullins is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.