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Will County adopts Vision Zero resolution and schedules public meeting for first county roundabout in Crete
Summary
The committee passed a resolution establishing Will County as a Vision Zero county to reduce roadway fatalities and discussed a planned roundabout at Exchange Street and Burrillville Road in Crete, with a public meeting and materials scheduled for April 7 and construction tentatively set for 2027.
The Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee voted to establish Will County as a Vision Zero county, adopting a resolution committing the county to data-driven efforts with partner agencies to work toward zero traffic fatalities.
County Engineer Jeff Ronaldson said the resolution formalizes the county’s intent to "use data and our partners to incorporate into design" and to pursue interim steps aimed at driving fatalities to zero. He said the county’s safety action plan shows Will County’s fatality rate is higher than the broader northeastern Illinois region and that the resolution is required for federal recognition of the safety action plan.
Committee members discussed the scope and implementation of the Vision Zero pledge. Eric (staff) confirmed the effort is "all encompassing" and covers all road users, including pedestrians and bicyclists. Members noted the county relies on police accident reports entered into statewide databases and other portals to identify safety priorities.
Several members spoke in favor of the resolution and cited prior local safety projects as examples. Member Van Dine described right-turn lanes installed on a county highway that, he said, eliminated crashes at those locations after the improvements. Member Balich raised enforcement concerns, asking what happens when police agencies do not act on temporary or permanent hazards; Ronaldson said enforcement remains with local police agencies and the sheriff's office and that the county will coordinate with partners.
The committee also received an update on the Exchange Street and Burrillville Road intersection in the Crete area, which staff described as Will County’s first roundabout on the county highway system. Ronaldson said materials and public meeting notices would go up around April 7 and that construction is tentatively scheduled for 2027 and is fully funded in the county’s multiyear plan.
Members debated roundabout familiarity and safety: some said roundabouts reduce severe T-bone collisions and improve safety when properly designed; others raised concerns that unfamiliar drivers may find multi-lane or complex roundabouts confusing and stressed public outreach and educational materials prior to construction. The committee approved the Vision Zero resolution by voice vote.
