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Committee approves phase‑1 design services for Wilmington–Peotone Road amid resident concerns about truck traffic and right‑of‑way
Summary
The committee approved a professional services agreement with Alfred Benesch & Co. for design of Wilmington–Peotone Road; members noted strong public emotion about truck traffic and safety, discussed passing lanes, wide shoulders and potential right‑of‑way impacts and were told further public meetings and state participation are planned.
The Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee approved a supplemental professional services agreement to begin design (phase 1) for the Wilmington–Peotone Road corridor. The contract with Alfred Benesch & Company covers design engineering on the segment from U.S. Route 4552 to Center Road (Section 25-00116-16-PV).
Members said the 16-plus mile corridor has provoked a wide range of public comment, with residents asking for either major improvements or no changes at all. Issues raised included significant truck traffic, safety at locations that have recorded fatalities and potential right-of-way impacts on homes adjacent to the corridor. Staff said the design will include passing lanes, 10-foot shoulders in places and other safety measures, and that additional public meetings will be scheduled as the design advances. Staff also said the state will be engaged for intersection work where fatalities occurred.
Why it matters: the design contract starts engineering work that will determine right-of-way needs, safety features and potential property impacts. Several members asked staff to incorporate feedback from prior public meetings and to pace the project so it does not outstrip public comfort.
Outcome: Member Reavis moved the proposal and the motion carried after roll call; staff said they will present a semiannual update next month showing where this segment sits among other Wilmington–Peotone segments.
Next steps: staff will proceed with the phase 1 design, incorporate safety and truck-management elements into plans, hold more public meetings in the affected corridor and coordinate with the state on intersection improvement funding where appropriate.
