Joliet, Illinois, September 4, 2025
News Summary
The Joliet City Council has approved the construction of a new bridge over the Union Pacific tracks at Route 53, a critical step for the NorthPoint warehouse development. Despite concerns raised by local leaders regarding truck traffic and transparency, the decision marks significant progress towards the 4,000-acre project. The bridge will facilitate heavy truck traffic and alleviate congestion on local roads. A special city council meeting is set to vote on a legal settlement related to the annexation agreement and ongoing construction.
Joliet approves bridge for massive NorthPoint warehouse plan as local leaders raise truck traffic and transparency concerns
City officials in Joliet have approved construction of a new bridge over the Union Pacific tracks at Route 53 tied to the large NorthPoint development, moving the long-disputed project closer to reality. The approval follows a settlement framework reached among the developer, the Illinois Department of Transportation, and the Illinois Commerce Commission, and it removes what city leaders have called the last major construction hurdle for the 4,000-acre project.
What was approved and why it matters
The bridge is designed to carry truck traffic over the rail line so heavy vehicles do not congest Route 53 and nearby streets. Embankments for the structure are already in place, and city officials say further bridge work is expected to begin very soon. Completing the bridge is a central condition for the developer to move forward with warehouses and related road changes tied to the NorthPoint plan.
Who agreed and who is involved
The deal on the bridge involves NorthPoint Development, the Illinois Department of Transportation, and the Illinois Commerce Commission. The city of Joliet is also a key party because the approval intersects with earlier annexation rules and local land actions. A separate legal settlement to resolve a dispute over annexation and bridge-related obligations is set for a vote at a special Joliet City Council meeting on Friday. Parties listed to be part of the settlement include Joliet, CenterPoint Properties, NorthPoint Development, and Houbolt Road Extension JV.
Local leaders raise concerns
Elected leaders from nearby towns expressed frustration with the pace and communication around the approval. Officials from Elwood and Manhattan reported they were not informed before the city moved ahead and warned that the bridge and associated truck routes will increase heavy vehicle traffic on regional roads. State-level elected officials also flagged worries about the use of eminent domain and how land transfers would proceed.
Eminent domain and land ownership issues
The Joliet City Council previously voted to pursue eminent domain to obtain land needed for the bridge and related road access. The targeted property is owned by CenterPoint Properties, a competing developer that has objected to NorthPoint’s plans. Council members said the city’s hands are partly tied by an annexation agreement the city entered into before the current mayor took office, and pursuing eminent domain is being used to meet that agreement’s requirements for building the bridge.
Legal settlement and special council meeting
A scheduled special council meeting will consider a settlement aimed at resolving a lawsuit tied to the annexation agreement and alleged failures to meet bridge construction terms. City officials have not released full details of the proposed settlement. If approved, the settlement could settle disputes over who must build, pay for, and deliver certain road and bridge improvements tied to the warehouse project.
Public reaction and next steps
The NorthPoint development has drawn strong opposition from many local residents and leaders in surrounding towns who say they were not kept informed and are worried about traffic, noise, and wear on local roads. Despite public outcry, city officials have moved forward with approvals and legal steps to secure land for the truck bridge. Work beyond the embankments is expected to start shortly, and the special council meeting will determine whether the settlement clears remaining legal roadblocks.
Why this matters for area roads and residents
The bridge is meant to channel heavy truck traffic away from local surface streets and to provide direct access for large warehouses planned across thousands of acres. If the project proceeds as approved, the region should expect an increase in truck traffic, changes to freight routes, and ongoing construction in the near term. Local governments and state agencies have roles in safety reviews, permitting, and traffic planning, but many neighboring communities say they need clearer timelines and traffic mitigation plans.
Timeline
- Embankments: Already built.
- Bridge construction: Expected to begin soon.
- Special City Council meeting: Scheduled for Friday to vote on legal settlement.
- Further approvals and land actions: May follow council decisions and any settlement terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was approved by Joliet?
The city approved construction of a bridge at Route 53 and the Union Pacific tracks tied to the NorthPoint warehouse development.
Who agreed to the bridge construction?
The agreement involves NorthPoint Development, the Illinois Department of Transportation, and the Illinois Commerce Commission, with the city implementing related actions.
Why do local leaders object?
Leaders from nearby towns say they were not informed and worry heavy truck traffic will increase on local roads and affect safety and wear on infrastructure.
What is the eminent domain action about?
The city voted to pursue eminent domain to secure land owned by another developer to build the bridge and road connections required by the annexation agreement.
What happens at the special city council meeting?
Council members will vote on a legal settlement intended to resolve disputes over the annexation agreement and bridge-building responsibilities among multiple parties.
Key project features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Project name | NorthPoint development and related bridge |
| Location | Route 53 and Union Pacific tracks, Joliet area |
| Size | About 4,000 acres for the overall development |
| Key parties | NorthPoint Development, Illinois DOT, Illinois Commerce Commission, City of Joliet, CenterPoint Properties, Houbolt Road Extension JV |
| Main purpose | Provide truck bridge to move heavy traffic off Route 53 and support warehouse access |
| Current status | Embankments built, bridge work expected to start soon; special council meeting set to vote on settlement |
| Primary concerns | Increased truck traffic, impacts on local roads, transparency and notice to neighboring towns, use of eminent domain |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Construction IL Resources
Additional Resources
- WJOL: Joliet Mayor Confirms Bridge Approved for NorthPoint
- Wikipedia: Joliet, Illinois
- Shaw Local: Joliet Council Votes on NorthPoint Settlement
- Google Search: NorthPoint warehouse development
- WJOL: Joliet Votes to Approve New Agreement with CenterPoint and NorthPoint
- Google Scholar: NorthPoint development Joliet
- Patch: NorthPoint Celebrates Superlative Construction Year in Joliet
- Encyclopedia Britannica: logistics hub
- Shaw Local: Joliet City Council Approves Legal Settlement Involving NorthPoint
- Google News: Joliet NorthPoint development
