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
Will County P&Z Grants Variances for Unpermitted Structures in Crete and Manhattan
Will County P&Z Commission Meeting | Jan. 20, 2026 Article Summary: The Planning and Zoning Commission approved variances for property owners in Crete and Manhattan who built agricultural structures without...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Landfill Committee for Jan. 13, 2026
Will County Landfill Committee Meeting | Jan. 13, 2026 The Will County Board Landfill Committee met on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, to address operational improvements at the Prairie View Landfill...
Monee Police warn residents of phone scammers impersonating officers
MONEE, Ill. – The Monee Police Department issued a community alert this week regarding a resurgence of telephone scams in which fraudsters are impersonating police officers to solicit money from residents....
Will County P&Z Approves Mokena Scrap Drop-Off Despite Municipal Objections
Will County P&Z Commission Meeting | Jan. 20, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission granted a special use permit for an outdoor recyclable material drop-off facility...
Will County Braces for 6,000-Acre Solar Project; Prepare for ‘Massive’ Solar Hearings
Will County P&Z Commission Meeting | Jan. 20, 2026 Will County Braces for 6,000-Acre Solar Project; Commissioners Weigh Conflicts and Crowds Article Summary:The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission is...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board for January 15, 2026
Will County Board Meeting | January 15, 2026 Meeting SummaryThe Will County Board met on January 15, 2026, to tackle a heavy agenda focused on infrastructure investment, legislative policy, and...
Pursuit following railroad theft ends in New Lenox; one suspect at large
NEW LENOX, Ill. – A reported cargo theft in Wilmington Township sparked a multi-jurisdictional pursuit Saturday morning that ended with a crash and a manhunt in a New Lenox neighborhood. The...
Waste Management Commits to Expanded Litter Patrols Around Landfill
Will County Landfill Committee Meeting | Jan. 13, 2026 Article Summary: Following complaints from county officials, Waste Management has agreed to significantly expand its litter collection efforts along roadways surrounding...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Mokena School District 159 for January 21, 2026
Mokena School District 159 Meeting | January 21, 2026 Overall Meeting SummaryThe Mokena School District 159 Board of Education met on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, addressing a mix of student...
County Approves $22 Million in Road Projects for Lorenzo Road and Mills Road
Will County Board Meeting | January 15, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board approved major infrastructure contracts, including an $18.8 million bridge replacement on Lorenzo Road and a $3.2...
Landfill Committee Advances Plan to Purchase Fourth Compressor for RNG Plant
Will County Landfill Committee Meeting | Jan. 13, 2026 Article Summary: The Landfill Committee voted to move forward with engineering estimates for a fourth compressor at the Prairie View Renewable...