Will County Public Works Debates Future Bridge Needs as 159th Street Closure Looms

Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026

Article Summary: A discussion regarding the future deck repair of the 159th Street bridge in Lockport sparked a debate about the lack of alternative river crossings. Officials expressed concern over potential traffic gridlock when the bridge eventually closes for repairs, citing stalled plans for a new corridor.

159th Street Bridge Key Points:

• Upcoming Closure: IDOT is planning a deck repair for the bridge over the Des Plaines River on 159th Street, tentatively scheduled around 2028.

• Traffic Concerns: Board members fear severe congestion, as 159th Street is a primary artery.

• Stalled Alternative: The Catton Farm/Bruce Road corridor project, which included a new bridge, remains stalled due to a lack of municipal agreement and funding.

The Public Works and Transportation Committee engaged in a candid discussion on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, regarding the fragility of the county’s east-west infrastructure, specifically concerning the 159th Street bridge in Lockport.

Committee Member Steve Balich (District 4) raised the issue, noting that the bridge is slated for a full closure for repairs in the coming years. He urged the committee to revisit plans for an alternative crossing to prevent traffic chaos.

“If 159th Street becomes a problem, there’s no way to get over the river unless you go down to Joliet or take 355,” Balich said. “We need another way to get over that river… because it’s going to be stopped. So the traffic’s going to be going crazy.”

Director of Transportation Jeff Ronaldson confirmed that the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is designing a deck repair for the bridge, which may occur around 2028. However, Ronaldson explained that the long-proposed alternative—the Catton Farm/Bruce Road corridor—is currently shelved.

Ronaldson detailed that federal requirements mandate the bridge be part of a larger corridor project, not a standalone structure. The project stalled because the municipalities along the route could not reach an agreement on funding the necessary road expansions leading up to the bridge.

“We can’t just lop it off at 53 and 171,” Ronaldson explained regarding the federal requirements. “You have to look at the whole corridor… and an agreement was not able to be made to make that happen.”

Member Dave Oxley (District 5) asked how the county could restart the process, noting the necessity of the project for his district. Ronaldson reiterated that the local agencies involved would need to come together to agree on funding and responsibilities, but admitted it is unclear who would take the lead.