Will County, August 28, 2025
News Summary
The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced a significant investment of $117 million in Will County, focusing on nine major construction projects. These initiatives are part of the Rebuild Illinois capital program and aim to enhance safety, repair crucial infrastructure, and improve traffic flow across the region. Local officials emphasize the importance of these projects in creating jobs and improving public safety by addressing aging infrastructure. Multiple projects will be staged to minimize disruption while the enhancements are underway.
Illinois Department of Transportation Announces $117 Million Investment in Will County Infrastructure
What happened: The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is moving forward with nine major construction projects in Will County that together total nearly $117 million. The work is part of the statewide Rebuild Illinois capital program and aims to improve safety, repair bridges and roadways, and keep traffic moving more smoothly across the county.
Why it matters
The projects are designed to reduce crashes, fix aging bridges, and enhance mobility for drivers, transit users and pedestrians. They also are expected to support and create good-paying jobs throughout the region while the work is underway. Planning spreads the work across several years so improvements can be staged while maintaining access where possible.
Timeline and major 2025 work
Three of the nine projects are scheduled to finish in 2025. These include:
- U.S. 6 (Scott Street) — Resurfacing and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements from Washington Street to Ruby Street. Work began in 2024 and is expected to wrap up this fall. Travelers should expect daily lane closures while crews complete paving and curb/ramp updates.
- Illinois 7 (Renwick Road) — Installation of a traffic signal and a new left-turn lane at the intersection with Illinois 53. The project is slated for completion in late fall and will include lane reductions during work hours to accommodate crews and equipment.
- U.S. 6 (Maple Road) — Bridge deck resurfacing and repairs between Henderson Avenue and Draper Avenue/Walnut Street. This project also began in 2024 and will conclude this fall, but it will require a full closure of the bridge for parts of the work, with detours posted.
Planned projects through 2030
The remaining six projects are scheduled between 2026 and 2030. Key future work includes:
- Interstate 57 at Pauling Road — New bridge deck and repairs, with work expected to start in 2026 and finish in 2027. A full detour will be in place during critical work periods.
- U.S. 30 (Jefferson Street) at the Des Plaines River — New bridge deck scheduled from 2026 through 2028. Expect a detour while the bridge structure is replaced.
- Illinois 7 bridge over the Des Plaines River and Chicago Sanitary & Ship Canal — Complete replacement planned to begin in 2029 with completion in 2030; a full detour will be required.
- Illinois 53 resurfacing — Work planned for 2029 and expected to finish the same year, with daily lane closures.
- Jackson Street bridge — Superstructure rehabilitation scheduled to start in 2027 and finish in 2029; drivers will follow posted detours while major repairs are underway.
Funding and program background
The projects are funded through Rebuild Illinois, a bipartisan capital program passed in 2019 that authorized $33.2 billion over six years for the state’s transportation system. The initiative covers roads, bridges, public transit, waterways and pedestrian accommodations. Through the program’s first six years, the state has reported nearly $20.8 billion spent on 7,897 miles of highway and 815 bridges.
Local impact and safety
State and local officials have noted that the investment targets aging infrastructure and helps protect public safety while supporting local employment. Officials advise drivers and pedestrians to be extra cautious in work zones, follow posted speed limits and detour signs, and allow extra travel time when passing through project areas.
Traffic and traveler guidance
Many projects will involve lane closures, temporary lane reductions, or full closures with detours. Work schedules and impacts vary by project and season; travelers should plan trips with the expectation of delays in active work zones and use alternate routes when provided.
Bottom line
This nearly $117 million package in Will County represents part of a larger push to modernize infrastructure across the state. The projects combine short-term fixes and long-term replacements to improve safety, extend the life of bridges and roadways, and support jobs in the construction sector over the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total amount being invested in Will County?
Nearly $117 million is being invested across nine construction projects in Will County.
Which projects are expected to finish in 2025?
Three projects are expected to finish in 2025: U.S. 6 (Scott Street) resurfacing and ADA work, Illinois 7 (Renwick Road) signal and left-turn lane at Illinois 53, and U.S. 6 (Maple Road) bridge deck resurfacing and repairs.
Will there be road closures and detours?
Yes. Some projects will use daily lane closures or lane reductions, while bridge replacements and major repairs will require full closures with posted detours.
How is this funded?
These projects are funded through the statewide Rebuild Illinois capital program, enacted in 2019.
What other results have come from Rebuild Illinois so far?
Through six years, the program has spent nearly $20.8 billion on 7,897 miles of highway and 815 bridges, addressing multiple modes of transportation across the state.
Key project features at a glance
| Project | Location | Planned Dates | Traffic Impacts | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. 6 (Scott Street) resurfacing & ADA | Washington St to Ruby St | 2024 – Fall 2025 | Daily lane closures | Resurfacing and ramp upgrades |
| Illinois 7 (Renwick Road) signal & turn lane | At Illinois 53 | 2025 (complete late fall) | Lane reductions | Adds signal and left-turn lane |
| U.S. 6 (Maple Road) bridge deck | Henderson Ave to Draper Ave/Walnut St | 2024 – Fall 2025 | Full closure with detour | Deck resurfacing and repairs |
| I-57 at Pauling Road deck & repairs | I-57 / Pauling Rd | 2026 – 2027 | Full detour | Bridge deck replacement |
| U.S. 30 (Jefferson St) bridge | Des Plaines River | 2026 – 2028 | Detour | New bridge deck construction |
| Illinois 7 bridge replacement | Over Des Plaines River & Canal | 2029 – 2030 | Full detour | Complete bridge replacement |
| Illinois 53 resurfacing | Illinois 53 corridor | 2029 (same year) | Daily lane closures | Road resurfacing |
| Jackson Street bridge rehabilitation | Jackson Street | 2027 – 2029 | Detour | Superstructure rehabilitation |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WJOL: Will County Construction Season
- Patch: Will County Road Projects 2025
- Shaw Local: Veterans Center Construction
- Acciona: Will County Solar Farm
- Shaw Local: Pre-Apprenticeship Program Graduates
- Wikipedia: Infrastructure
- Google Search: Will County construction news
- Google Scholar: Will County infrastructure
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction
- Google News: Will County projects
