County Authorizes Condemnation for Francis Road Project
June 3, 2025/
The committee authorized the State’s Attorney’s Office to proceed with condemnation cases for right-of-way acquisition needed for Francis Road improvements between Gougar Road and Interstate 80.
Eight property parcels are involved in the condemnation proceedings, including properties owned by the Joliet Park District, Commonwealth Edison Company, and several private property owners.
The Francis Road project will reconstruct the roadway to current standards and improve drainage in the corridor. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026 pending completion of right-of-way acquisition.
County officials said attempts to negotiate voluntary acquisitions were unsuccessful, necessitating the legal condemnation process.
Latest News Stories
Illinois Quick Hits: Loyola student’s alleged killer faces federal firearm charge
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An 18-year-old Loyola University student’s accused killer has also been charged with illegal possession of a firearm....
Will County Kicks Off Comprehensive Land Resource Management Plan Update with Focus on Proactive Zoning and Environmental Justice
Will County Board Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | March 26, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use and Development Committee held a special workshop to kick off...
Infighting and Calls for Resignation Disrupt Will County Board Meeting
Will County Board Meeting | March 19, 2026 Article Summary: Calls for the resignation of a Will County Board member over a recent misdemeanor conviction derailed the end of the...
Lincoln-Way 210 Awards $1.98 Million Contract for Network Cabling Upgrades
Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | March 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Board of Education approved a $1.98 million contract with CDW/Greatline Solutions to upgrade aging wired infrastructure...
Will County Land Use Committee Splits Votes on Massive Earthrise Solar Projects Amid Intense Public Opposition
Will County Board Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | April 2, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use and Development Committee on Tuesday faced a marathon session dominated...
Report: Coordinated resilience infrastructure is needed in age of AI
By Alan WootenThe Center Square Highly coordinated resilience infrastructure is needed in the age of artificial intelligence, says a new report released Thursday from the Elon University Imagining the Digital...
U.S., NATO alliance on the line as Trump set to meet with Rutte
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Tensions are running high between President Donald Trump and NATO leaders, as grumblings grow over the U.S. withdrawing from the alliance. NATO’s relationship with the...
BREAKING: Trump fires Bondi, Blanche to lead DOJ
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square President Donald Trump removed Attorney General Pam Bondi from the Department of Justice on Thursday, according to a post on social media. "Pam Bondi is...
States sue Trump administration over rollback of some air pollution regulations
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is co-leading a multi-state lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s rollback of some federal limits on toxic air pollution. The lawsuit...
Energy affordability report ranks Illinois 31st, warns of ‘burdensome’ mandates
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – According to a new report on energy affordability, burdensome mandates are making Illinois more expensive. The American...
Illinois voices weigh in on birthright citizenship case
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As the U.S. Supreme Court considers a high-stakes challenge to birthright citizenship, a constitutional law expert...
U.S. rep.: Mexico still not delivering water to South Texas, despite claims
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Despite repeated claims by Trump administration officials, Mexico is not delivering water as promised to South Texas in accordance with a long-standing treaty. In January,...
Supporters say will storage option would streamline judicial process
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Supporters say an Illinois House bill allowing county clerks to develop a will depository would streamline judicial...
Dallas Fed: Geopolitical conflicts creating uncertainty for U.S. oil and gas industry
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square A new quarterly Dallas Fed Energy Survey indicates the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran and other geopolitical conflicts are negatively impacting and creating uncertainty for the...