Will County board refers 2026–2031 transportation improvement program back to committee after heated debate over 143rd Street

The Will County Board on June 18 voted to refer the proposed 2026–2031 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) back to the Public Works and Transportation Committee after an extended debate focused on a proposed widening of 143rd Street through parts of Homer Glen and surrounding townships.

Member Dan Trenier, chairing the public works committee, brought the TIP to the floor. County staff reported that traffic counts on 143rd Street rose from about 12,300 vehicles per day to roughly 15,300 between 2019 and 2023. County transportation staff said those counts and regional growth projections were the basis for the proposed improvements, which the TIP lists as a multi‑year, state‑and‑federal funded project.

Board members objected to the scope and timing. Member Buck Balich and other residents’ advocates raised concerns that converting the road to a five‑lane section would significantly alter rural character, affect nearby schools and golf‑course property, and require large tree replacements. Balich urged removing 143rd Street from the TIP, arguing the project is “in limbo” because of pending local objections and potential settlement discussions with municipalities.

County staff cautioned that removing the project from the TIP could jeopardize federal and regional grant funding; one staff member warned the county has already invested about $6 million in design work on the project and that the county risks losing roughly $7 million in CMAP (Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning) funding if the county withdraws its commitment.

An amendment to remove the 143rd Street segment failed on a roll call that left the motion short (the board announced “With 12 in the negative, the motion fails.”). Following further discussion, the board instead approved a motion to refer the entire TIP back to the public works committee for additional review; the chair announced the referral passed with 11 votes in the affirmative. Committee members said they will consider additional language clarifying the plan’s estimated costs and that TIP entries are subject to change and not fixed funding commitments.

Jeff Reynoldson (county transportation staff) provided the traffic counts and explained that ADT (average daily traffic) seasonal adjustments are used and that project cost estimates flagged as 2031 are high‑level until design advances. He also said staff try to avoid utility relocations where possible because relocations (for pipelines, etc.) can be expensive and are considered as design proceeds.

Board members asked for follow‑up work on alternatives (for example, a three‑lane section with turn lanes instead of a full five‑lane cross section), further public engagement and clearer documentation of cost estimates and utility impacts. Multiple members urged committee review to gather additional information and possible compromise designs prior to returning the TIP to the full board.

Ending: The TIP was referred back to the Public Works and Transportation Committee for more detailed review and potential revisions. Committee chairs said the item will return for further committee discussion and public input ahead of next year’s TIP approval cycle.