Will County Board members are reconsidering a plan to build a new bridge over the Des Plaines River Valley. This initiative was previously abandoned four years ago due to funding constraints. In 2022, estimates to construct the bridge and enhance an 11-mile corridor through Crest Hill, Lockport, and Homer and Lockport Townships stood at approximately $617.6 million. Costs likely have increased, according to Jeff Ronaldson, director of the Will County Division of Transportation.
The Illinois Department of Transportation showed no interest in funding the project. It was not financially feasible for local municipalities or townships to contribute either, Ronaldson noted. Discussions around the Caton Farm-Bruce Road Regional Transportation Corridor have been ongoing for over 25 years, beginning in 2001 and involving various roadway alignment evaluations. In 2022, the County Board decided to shift the project to a planning and environmental linkages study. This status allows officials to resume from where they paused without starting anew, although some information might now be outdated.
Board members express the need for renewed discussions, particularly with major construction slated for the 9th Street Bridge near downtown Lockport. Other river crossings in the area include bridges in Romeoville and Joliet. While they don’t expect a new bridge to be completed before the roadwork on the 9th Street Bridge begins, addressing traffic bottlenecks and delays is a priority. Traffic conditions are worsening, said board member Dave Oxley, citing concerns for emergency services hindered by congestion.
A special meeting was held to reignite discussions, and while no decisions were made, Mark Revis, vice-chair of the Public Works and Transportation Committee, proposed forming a committee or reaching out to state and federal lawmakers for funding assistance. “This is a perfect opportunity for bridge building,” said Revis, emphasizing unity among various entities to solve the region’s traffic problems.
The proposed 11-mile corridor would link U.S. Route 30, Gaylord Road, and Caton Farm Road in Crest Hill with Cedar Road and 159th Street in Homer Glen. This area’s right-of-way requires about 157 acres, impacting agricultural, commercial, and residential lands. Infrastructure on both sides of the river needs upgrades to facilitate traffic to and from the bridge, according to Ronaldson.
Crest Hill Mayor Ray Soliman reaffirmed the city’s financial incapability to support its share of the project. They are simultaneously investing in a significant capital project to supply Lake Michigan water to residents. Soliman welcomes renewed discussions but insists that Will County or IDOT should sponsor the project.
Board members explored ways to make the project feasible. Steve Balich proposed the bridge as a toll road, advocating for partnerships with the Illinois Tollway. Julie Berkowicz suggested lobbying for federal and state funding. Sherry Williams, the Democratic Leader from Crest Hill, raised concerns about potential negative impacts on Lockport Township’s Fairmont community. Revis agreed that the area should not suffer adverse effects.