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: Two of ComEd four released; new trial expected
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A U.S. appellate court has ordered two defendants in the ComEd Four case to be released pending...
Monee Celebrates Tractor Supply Grand Opening, Historia Coffee Launch, and Tree City USA Award
Monee Village Board Meeting | April 8, 2026 Article Summary: The Village of Monee recognized a surge in local commercial activity with the grand opening of a new Tractor Supply...
Will County Treasurer Seeks Policy on Cash Payments as U.S. Mint Discontinues the Penny
Briefs: Will County Board Finance Committee Meeting | April 7, 2026 Article Summary: With the U.S. Mint ceasing production of the penny, the Will County Treasurer's Office is asking the...
Lend a hand this spring at Volunteer Morning programs
Volunteers are being sought for spring programs that help spruce up the preserves by removing invasive species, controlling brush and planting native plants. Here are the spring Volunteer Morning programs....
Proposed State Legislation Sparks Debate Over Will County Veterans Assistance Commission Budget Control
Will County Board Legislative Committee Meeting | April 7, 2026 Article Summary: State legislation aimed at granting county boards ultimate approval power over Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) budgets sparked debate...
Chicago suit vs oil cos. may yet survive SCOTUS ruling, judge hints
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Even as the Supreme Court considers a Colorado case that oil companies believe will decide if city and state governments can sue...
Two of ComEd Four released. new trial pending
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A U.S. appellate court has ordered two defendants in the ComEd Four case to be released pending...
GOP candidate Bailey urges Trump to apologize to pope; bishop calls for dialogue
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – After President Donald Trump refused to apologize for his social media criticism of Pope Leo XIV, a...
Bloom’s Patient Approach, Late Surge Overwhelm Crete-Monee 17-7
Patient at-bats and an explosive late-game offensive display powered the Bloom varsity softball team to a commanding 17-7 road conference victory over Crete-Monee on Monday afternoon. The visitors built an...
Senator says taxpayers fleeced by corrections department
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Department of Corrections is facing questions over its failure to comply with state law while...
Illinois Quick Hits: CTU-backed senator launches ‘tax the rich’ campaign
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois legislator backed by the Chicago Teachers Union is renewing her call to tax the rich...
Lawmaker slams Illinois tuition bill favoring illegal immigrants
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State Rep. Adam Niemerg, R-Dieterich, is raising concerns about a proposal he says would expand access...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee for April 7, 2026
Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | April 7, 2026 The Will County Board Public Works & Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, moving forward a...