Executive Committee Advances $28.7 Million BNSF Bridge Project for Lorenzo Road
Will County Executive Committee Meeting | February 11, 2026
Article Summary: The Executive Committee approved an agreement with BNSF Railway to construct a grade separation bridge on Lorenzo Road in Wilmington. The railroad will contribute over $15 million toward the project and provide a one-time maintenance payment to the county.
Lorenzo Road Bridge Key Points:
-
Project: Construction of a grade separation bridge carrying Lorenzo Road (CH 80) over the BNSF Railroad tracks.
-
Location: 1.25 miles west of I-55 in County Board District 1.
-
Total Cost: The estimated total project cost is $28,717,523.80.
-
Railroad Contribution: BNSF will reimburse the county 100% of costs after the execution of ICC funds, up to a cap of $15,102,943.80.
-
Maintenance Fee: BNSF will pay Will County a one-time maintenance fee of $675,003.28 for the useful life of the overpass.
The Will County Board Executive Committee on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, approved Resolution 26-046, authorizing an agreement between the County and BNSF Railway for a major infrastructure project on Lorenzo Road.
The project involves constructing a bridge to separate the grade of Lorenzo Road (County Highway 80) from the BNSF rail line, located approximately 1.25 miles west of Interstate 55. The project aims to eliminate the at-grade crossing, improving safety and traffic flow in the heavy industrial corridor.
According to the agreement attached to the agenda, the total estimated cost of construction is $28,717,523.80. Under the terms of the deal, BNSF Railway will contribute significantly to the project. Once $12 million in Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) funds are executed, BNSF will reimburse the county for remaining costs up to a cap of $15,102,943.80.
Additionally, the agreement stipulates that BNSF will provide a one-time lump sum payment of $675,003.28 to the county to cover future maintenance costs for the structure over its useful life. The county will be responsible for maintaining the roadway, bridge structure, and drainage.
The agreement requires the contractor to maintain strict safety clearances during construction, including 25 feet horizontally from the track centerline.
The measure was moved by Member Jacqueline Traynere and seconded by Member Denise Winfrey. It passed unanimously.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Crete-Monee Erupts for 13-Run First Inning in 23-2 Rout of Thornton
Crete-Monee Runs Wild in 17-2 Rout of Thornton Behind 18 Stolen Bases
Peotone Library Board Approves Up to $15,000 for Feasibility Study
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Monee Planning & Zoning Board of Appeals for April 15, 2026
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Executive Committee for April 9, 2026
On the road to 100 years: How the Forest Preserve District expanded
Peotone Library Board Appoints Rebecca Markus to Fill Vacant Trustee Seat
Aggen’s Perfect Day at the Plate, Late Surge Power Tinley Park Past Crete-Monee 15-9
P&Z Advances Residential Variances for Garage and Aluminum Fence Additions
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee for April 14, 2026
Executive Committee Advances Sweeping Updates to Adult Entertainment and Wireless Facilities Ordinances
Ramirez, Robinson Power Crete-Monee’s 25-Hit Barrage in Wild 28-17 Win Over Bloom
Love’s Shutout, Offensive Explosion Propel Crete-Monee Past Bloom 18-0
Ad-Hoc Committee: County Lowers Air Rifle Age to 13, Finds Airsoft Guns Beyond Local Regulatory Reach
