Kankakee County board approves state-funded bridge, shoulder and road reconstruction projects

Kankakee County Board members on March 10 approved a package of transportation measures that will move design and engineering work forward on several state-funded projects across the county. The actions included authorization for a bridge replacement on County Highway 17 and engineering agreements for shoulder widenings and a major pavement reconstruction.

The board voted to authorize the county board chairman to sign an amended local agency agreement for a bridge replacement on County Highway 17 that increased the project cost from $750,000 to $911,000; the county will pay 20 percent (about $322,000) and the state will cover the remainder. Dan introduced the resolution and Greg provided the explanation that the supplemental agreement prevents the county from absorbing costs above the original contract amount and keeps the county’s contribution at the same percentage as the prior agreement.

In related actions the board approved engineering agreements with Hutcherson Engineering Inc. for safety shoulder widening on County Highway 8 and County Highway 53. Greg said the County previously received a $2.2 million state grant for the County Highway 8 project and another $2.2 million grant for County Highway 53; both agreements authorize design and environmental work necessary to move the projects forward. For County Highway 53, Greg cautioned that construction may be deferred until the village of St. Anne’s schedule aligns, which could push building into next year.

The board also authorized use of $3 million in state funds for pavement reconstruction of County Highway 23 (13th Street in St. Anne), directing preliminary design and construction engineering work. Greg described the County Highway 23 work as a full reconstruction requiring more extensive environmental and design effort than the shoulder projects.

Board members spoke in support of the investments. One member thanked Greg for pursuing grant funding that “finds the money where there may not be money,” and several members noted the benefits to truck traffic and local travel if the projects proceed as planned. Miss Foster added that improvements will reduce heavy truck traffic on local township roads.

All of the transportation resolutions were approved by roll-call votes with motions called and carried during the highways committee presentation. The next steps for each approved item are completion of engineering contracts, environmental clearances and project scheduling with state partners; construction timing will depend on permitting and local coordination.

Votes at a glance: the board approved (1) the County Highway 17 bridge agreement to increase the federal participation amendment and appropriate county bridge funds; (2) an engineering agreement for County Highway 8 safety shoulders tied to a $2.2 million state grant; (3) an engineering agreement for County Highway 53 safety shoulders tied to a $2.2 million state grant; and (4) appropriation of $3 million in state funds for preliminary design and reconstruction of County Highway 23.