Citizens for a New Bridge
Costs to Date
2024 - September
Account #17-000-74-21-ES - Civiltech - Periods from 2017 through 2024
Resolution #17-221 17-222 allowed for County Motor Fuel Tax funds to be spent on this project in the amount of $443,800 which allowed for Funding of this part of the project with funds to be paid to Civiltech.
Thus far $432,314 has been spent / disbursed to Civiltech through February, 2022 (last known billing invoice)
In accordance with a joint agreement, the municipalities of Homer Township, Homer Glen and the City of Lockport agreed to split the costs associated with this part of the project.
Homer Glen has paid $28,564
Homer Township has paid $26,386
City of Lockport has paid $346,537
Total Contributed by Neighboring Municipalities $401,487
Click Here for the spending document
2024 - September
Account #17-000-74-21-EG - Civiltech - Periods from 2000 through 2024
Total Resolutions to be spent on this project in the amount of $3,483,023 which allowed for Funding of this part of the project with funds to be paid to Civiltech.
Thus far $2,406,683 has been spent / disbursed to Civiltech through October, 2023 (last known billing invoice)
Roughly $2,000,363 has been received from the State.
Transfers were done to some 'unobligated account' were transferred in at the amount of $983,038.
Click Here for the spending document
2024 - September
Account #99-00074-20-EG - Burke & Associates - Periods from 2000 through 2024
Total Resolutions to be spent on this project in the amount of $3,712,145 which allowed for Funding of this part of the project with funds to be paid to Burke and Associates
The County Motor Fuel Tax monies allotted for this project are $2,399,901.
Roughly $1,249,272 has been received from the State.
Monies from some 'Bond B' Fund were transferred in at the amount of $779,041.
Click Here for the spending document
2024 - September
Account #00-00074-22-es - Alfred Benesch & Co - Periods from 2003 through 2007
This account was discovered by accident through various FOIA requests. It is unclear what these invoices were for or what part of the project this related to.
Roughly $105,066 was spent to this firm for services/work provided.
Note: There is no official spending document for this work provided.
Note - This information was gathered through various FOIA requests, and is an estimate of the costs/spending involved. all official cost information should be obtained through the Will County Department of Transportation.
Additionally, all invoices have been obtained to document/support the figures that are presented.
Click Here for entire spreadsheet of costs associated with this project
Historical Updates
2023 - July - PEL Study
Final PEL Study is with IDOT for Final Review.
2022 - November - Will County Resolutions 22-408 and 22-409
Click Here for 22-408, 22409 Part 1
Click Here for 22-408, 22409 Part 2
Click Here for the PEL Creation Agreement
Click Here for the PEL Scope of Work
Fun Fact - County allots $163,745.13 and $61,899.00 in funds to stop phase 1 and convert to a ‘pel’ effectively shelving the project
2022 - November - Article - Will County Board Shelves the Project
Click Here for the Article
2022 - October - Memorandum from WCDOT to County Board
Click Here for the Minutes
2022 - September - FHWA/IDOT/Will County Division of Transportation Suburban Coordination Meeting
Click Here for the Minutes
2022 - July - Herald News Article
Click Here for the article
2022 - July - Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Update
Click Here for the Meeting Minutes
Fun Fact - The will county department of transportation submitted approval for a pel which will effectively kill this project.
2022 - May - FHWA/IDOT/Local Coordination Meeting
Click Here for the Meeting Minutes
Click Here for the Presentation
2021 - November - Fairmont Community Public Information Meeting
The exhibits that were on display from the Fairmont Community Public Information Meeting that was held on November 16, 2021 are now available.
Fairmont Community Location Map
Other 4-Lane Roads with Landscaped Medians
Common Outdoor and Indoor Sound Levels
Noise Abatement Consideration Process
Oak Avenue Rendering with potential noise walls
Oak Avenue / Green Garden Rendering with potential noise walls
Oak Avenue / Green Garden Rendering
2021 - October - SIG Meeting
On October 12, 2021, Will County Department of Transportation held a Stakeholder Involvement Group (SIG) Meeting for the Fairmont Community in regards to the project. A link has been provided for the summary of the meeting and the meeting presentation.
Click Here for the Meeting Minutes
Click Here for the Presentation
2021 - October - Summer Newsletter
Click Here for the Newsletter
2021 - October - Historic Above-Ground Resources Inventory Report provided by IDOT
Click Here for the Memo
Click Here for the Report - File is to large. Available upon request.
2021 - July 22 - PESA Report - Preliminary Environmental Site Assessment
Filo is too large to upload. Available upon request.
2021 - June 21 - TCC Meeting
Click Here for the Minutes
2021 - April 5th - TCC Meeting - Member Jurisdiction of Roadways
Click Here for the Minutes
Fun Fact - The will county division of transportation effectively terminated the transportation corridor committee effective april, 2021.
Fun Fact - The final page of the meeting minutes link shows the existing member roadway jurisdictions involved.
2021 - March - Missing Invoices from 2001-2010
Click Here for the File
Costs Fun Fact - $1.8M in spending related to these invoices are unaccounted for from Burke & Associates for the period of 2001 through 2010. Other invoices exist for the same time period, but it seems that all of the invoices associated with Burke & Associates are missing, unavailable or cannot be found.
2021 - March - City of Lockport completes study for a potential interchange at Bruce Road & I-355.
Click Here for the study.
Project Fun Fact - In May 2015, the Will County Department of Transportation completed a study for a bridge over Bruce Road at I-355 through Civiltech Engineering. It was determined by the Will County Department of Transporation THAT AN INTERCHANGE WAS NOT NEEDED AND WAS NEVER PART OF THE OVERALL BRIDGE PROJECT PLAN. THEREFORE, THE ADDITION OF AN INTERCHANGE BY THE CITY OF LOCKPORT SHOULD NOT CAUSE ANY DELAYS IN THE PROJECT.
2021 - February - Concurrence Meeting Approval
A Resource and Regulatory Agency meeting was held on February 25, 2021 to present the Caton Farm Road – Oak Avenue – Bruce Road – Gougar Road Preferred Alignment for concurrence. Concurrence was granted to proceed with further detailed studies of the locally preferred alternative.
Click Here for the Meeting Minutes
Click Here for the Presentation
2021 - January 12th - TCC Project Update provided by WCDOT
Click Here for the Meeting Minutes
2021 - January - NEPA 404 Meeting Schedule/Calendar - Missed Dates for Concurrence June & September 2020
The below documents explain how the WC Department of Transportation extended this project, for almost 1 year, due to missing the meetings that would have moved this project forward.
Click Here for the email documenting this to the TCC
Click Here for a version of the email, with links
2020 - November 20 - Part 1 of the Section 106 process completed (APE)
Click Here for the Report - File is too large and can be provided upon request.
2020 - October - Will County Board approves Resolution 20-367
Click Here for the Resolution - Civiltech Engineering - 00-00074-21-EG
Costs Fun Fact - This resolution authorized the appropriation of $192,686.74 from the motor fuel tax.
2020 - October - Will County Board approves Resolution 20-365
Click Here for the Resolution - Burke Engineering - 99-00074-20-EG
Costs Fun Fact - this resolution approved the increase in funding by $440,072 from $3,180,560.87 to $3,620,632.87 paid for from the county motor fuel tax funds.
2020 - October - Will County Board approves Resolution 20-366
Click Here for the Resolution - Civiltech - 00-00074-21-EG
Costs Fun Fact - this resolution approved the increase in funding by $317,951.56 from $1,926,591.24 to $2,244,542.80 paid for from the county motor fuel tax funds.
2020 - October 8 - TCC Meeting Update
Click Here for the Meeting Minutes
2020 - September - NEPA/404 Update - A Resource and Regulatory Agency meeting was held on September 10, 2020 to present a project update for the Caton Farm Road – Oak Avenue – Bruce Road – Gougar Road Phase I Study. It was determined that Concurrence Point No. 3 will be revisited in February 2021, once an Environmental Survey Request Addendum has been assessed.
Click Here for the Presentation
Click Here for the Meeting Minutes
2020 - September - Phase 1 Study Alternatives Analysis for the NEPA/404 Merger Meeting
Click Here for Memo - File is too large and can be provided upon request.
2020 - August - Project Update Memo from the Will County Department of Transportation.
Click Here for Memo
2020 - August - Revised ESR Addendum materials requested by the September 19th, 2019 NEPA /404 meeting was submitted on August 31, 2020.
Click Here for Report - Report is too large - Contact us for the File.
2020 - June - Year 2050 Traffic Volumes Report created by CMAP
Click Here for the Report
2020 - June - Moving Will County Truck Routing and Land Use Study preliminary documents are created.
This Study created by CMAP, ‘piggy backs’ off of the Will County Community Friendly Freight Mobility Plan adopted in September 2017 (shown below).
Click Here for Truck Routing Study
Click Here for Land Use Study
Click Here for Overall Study Area Map
Click Here for Land Use Study Area Map
Click Here for Truck Routing Study Area
Project Fun Fact - no mention of the caton farm - bruce road bridge project is mentioned in this study. Suggestions were made to incorporate this into the study, but were rejected. only current/applicable roads are being included.
2020 - May - City of Lockport approves a Phase I engineering study for a potential interchange at Bruce Road & I-355.
Click Here for the Memo initiating the study with Burke Engineering
Project Fun Fact - In May 2015, the Will County Department of Transportation completed a study for a bridge over Bruce Road at I-355 through Civiltech Engineering. It was determined by the Will County Department of Transportation THAT AN INTERCHANGE WAS NOT NEEDED AND WAS NEVER PART OF THE OVERALL BRIDGE PROJECT PLAN. THEREFORE, THE ADDITION OF AN INTERCHANGE BY THE CITY OF LOCKPORT SHOULD NOT CAUSE ANY DELAYS IN THE PROJECT.
2020 - March - ESR Addendum materials requested by the September 19th, 2019 NEPA /404 meeting was submitted on March 31, 2020.
Click Here for Report - Report is too large - Contact us for the File.
Click Here for the Historical Property Inventory - Report is too large - Contact us for the File.
Project Fun Fact - Everything in the esr addendum was completed in february, 2020 as originally stated. however, the information was not submitted to the appropriate authorities until March 31, 2020. a nepa/404 meeting occurs in june, with material submission deadlines in february of that year. therefore, by missing this cut off date, the june 2020 nepa/404 meeting could not be attended, thereby, wasting 6 more months of time for absolutely no reason.
2020 - February - Wetland Assessment Report was re-created to examine the new Preferred Alternative route.
Click Here for Report - Report is too large - Contact us for the File.
2020 - January - Project Update Memo from the Will County Department of Transportation.
Click Here for Memo
2019 - September - NEPA/404 Meeting - A Resource and Regulatory Agency meeting was held on September 19, 2019 to present the Caton Farm Road – Oak Avenue – Bruce Road – Gougar Road alternative as the newly selected preferred alternative. Since approval of Concurrence Point No. 3 in 2012, the project stakeholders developed concern over loss of development opportunities along the north-south link of the Caton Farm Road – Oak Avenue – Bruce Road – Middle Alignment. It was determined that Concurrence Point No. 3 will be revisited once an Environmental Survey Request Addendum has been assessed.
Click Here for the Exhibits
Click Here for the Meeting Minutes provided by Will County Department of Transportation
Click Here for the Meeting Minutes
Highlights of this meeting:
Based on the information provided in the document above, it states on page 8/21 that Merger meetings are held in February, June and September. According to the meeting minutes shown on this document, on Page 2, Ms. Kupowski states that 'the biggest obstacle for the timetable of the project is that the schedule of these meetings varies."
Conclusion: It should be noted then for future reference that the schedule does not vary, and is set in stone based on the Merger Meeting document provided by the IDOT/FHWA official document.
It has been frequently stated that the time frame to complete Phase 1, Part B (the reevaluation utilizing Gougar road) will be 2-3 years. However, that 2-3 start date seems to fluctuate based on what update is being presented and when. It should be noted that design would take 12-18 months, and environmental work would take 18-24 months.
Conclusion: Phase 1, Part B should be concluded then in Mid 2022, at the latest.
Three alternatives reevaluated for informational purposes were:
Caton Farm > Oak > Bruce > Gougar Alignment (NEW Preferred Alignment)
Caton Farm > Oak > Bruce > Existing/Old Middle Alignment (old alignment no longer pursued)
Caton Farm > Oak > Bruce > Cedar Alignment (Option not chosen)
2019 - August - Will County Board Rescinding Resolution #09-206 and Hereby Supports Gougar Alignment
Click Here for Signed Resolutions
Click Here for New Proposed Alternative Map
2019 - June 20 - Will County Board Rescinding Resolution #09-206 and Hereby Supports Gougar Alignment
Click Here for Will County Board Decision Minutes
2019 - April 29 - TCC Update Meeting
Click Here for the Minutes
2019 - April 23 - Village of Home Glen adopts resolution approving Gougar Road as the new Middle Alignment
Click Here for Resolution 19-001
Click Here for Resolution 19-042
2019 - March 21 - Public Meeting on North/South Alternatives of ‘New’ Alignment Report, Part A
Click Here for Brochure and Public Comment Form
Click Here to see the 3 ‘New' Alternatives being Reevaluated
Click Here for Traffic Studies on 3 Alternatives
Decisions:
“New” Preferred Alternatives
OR
Existing Preferred Alternative
3) Bruce to Middle Alignment to 159th
Based on the outcome of the Reevaluation decision on the 3 routes, a Schedule is to be followed.
Click Here for Schedules on either outcome, along with Impacts on the Timeline.
2019 - February - City of Lockport, Committee of the Whole ‘New’ Alignment Report discussion
Click Here to see Video on February 20th, 2019
Click Here to see the 3 ‘New' Alternatives to be Reevaluated
2019 - January - TCC Update Meeting
Click Here for the Minutes
2018 - December - Meeting between Eastern Coalition officials and WCDOT to discuss New Alignment Report, Part A
2018 - August - ‘New’ Proposed Alignment Report, Part A is completed
2018 - March - Civiltech Engineering was given notification to proceed in the New Alignment report, Part A
2018 - January - Bill No. 296 SAFETE Act Funding for Phase II Engineering Costs - Funding Expires
Click Here for Bill - See page 125
Funding Fun Fact - The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act (SAFETEA-LU) was passed in 2005 to authorize funds for federal-aid highways, highway safety programs, and transit programs and for other purposes. Line Item No. 296 was earmarked for Will County to begin Phase II engineering and pre-construction activities for a high level bridge linking Caton Farm Road with Bruce Road ($1,600,000). Funding was still intact however it is subject to earmark re-purposing due to its lack of age and use. The original bill funding was for the years of 2006-2009 only.
However, the funding has not been removed on this project (for the 3rd year as of 2018) because the following explanation was provided by the Will County Department of Transportation: The project design team is reevaluating the North-South alignment on the east end of the corridor and is at least a couple of years out from the design approval and the ability to utilize these funds.
Conclusion - Per the 9th District office representative, this money is no longer available and has since expired in 2018.
2017 - December - Will County Letter to the TCC Discussing Re-Evaluation Options on Proposed ‘New’ Alignment
Click Here for Memo
Definitions:
Bridge Crossing - The Bridge crosses over the Des Plaines River FROM Caton Farm @ Broadway TO Oak Avenue @ State Street. This has been finalized.
Middle Alignment - From Oak Avenue @ State Street the Road then follows Oak Avenue Eastward, which then curves Northward up to Bruce and continues East. This has been finalized.
“New” vs Existing Preferred Alternatives - Moving Eastward along Bruce Road, the Project will either: A) connect at Gougar and continue to 159th Street, B) cross over I 355 and connect at Cedar and continue to 159th Street, or C) follow the Current Existing Alternative, which is a curved NEW road from Bruce to 159th Street.
2017 - October - Will County Board adopts Resolution for Re-evaluation studies of the Middle Alignment
Click Here for Resolution 17-221 - 17-00074-21-ES Initiates the Re-evaluation
Click Here for Resolution 17-222 - 17-00074-21-ES Approval of additional Funds for Resolution 17-221
Costs Fun Fact - this resolution approved $443,800 (part a = $96,417 & Part b $347,382) paid for from the county motor fuel tax funds.
Click Here for Resolution 17-223 - Intergovernmental agreement
2017 - December - Cost Sharing Memo between Lockport, Homer Glen & Homer Township (Eastern Coalition) and WCDOT
Click Here for Memo #1
Click Here for Memo #2, Parts A and B of the Report
2017 - September - The Will County Community Friendly Freight Mobility Plan is adopted.
The Will County Community Friendly Freight Mobility Plan (Freight Plan) is a unique public-private partnership of Will County and the Will County Center for Economic Development (CED), with additional support from organization such as: Illinois Department of Transportation, the Workforce Investment Board of Will County, Three River Association of Realtors, Federal Highway Administration and CMAP.
The reference to the Caton Farm-Bruce Road Bridge Project is mentioned on Appendix D, Tiered Freight Projects, Map ID #92.
Click Here for a Summation of the Plan
Click Here for the website.
2016 - December - Will County 2040 Plan is Adopted
Plan Priorities - Click Here
Plan Project List - Click Here
Full 2040 Plan - Click Here
Project Fun Fact - The Will County 2040 Transportation Plan now supersedes 2030 Plan. The 2030 Plan is now defunct.
Project Fun Fact -
>Definitions: System Expansion – This is the expansion of the road footprint through the addition of through lanes. >Preservation/Modernization – This is the reconstruction of the roadway in kind with the potential addition of turn lanes.
The following are important items to note from the 2030 Plan to the 2040 Plan:
Bruce and Cedar are Four Lanes – The Will County 2030 Plan included the following: Cedar Road was to be widened to 4 lanes from a) Rt 6 to Bruce Road and then b) Bruce Road to 159th Street.
The Will County 2040 Plan now includes the following changes:
Instead of Rt 6 as the starting point, it is now Francis Road as a System Expansion Project. This makes sense since this widening would include both I-355 and I-80.
The 2030 Plan has the entire length of Cedar Road accounted for in the plan, but the 2040 plan stops the widening at Bruce Road and does not continue on through to 159th. The reason given was, “The 2030 Plan was updated to reflect the current priorities in the 2040 Plan. Projects may or may not be included in their entirety, may or may not be combined or completed.”
The 2040 Plan has Cedar Road – Francis Road & 159th Street under System Preservation/Modernization labeled as ‘Reconstruction’ which means updating the intersections only of Cedar & Francis and Cedar & 159th Street, but not the corridor.
Other than replacing the structure over Spring Creek and at Laraway Road, the County has done no additional engineering studies on the Cedar Road corridor outside of the CFBR Corridor Study. The County foresees a need for these projects in the future, but the current funding projections will not allow for the County to complete them.
Gougar Road widening to 4 lanes from Laraway Road to Route 6 is not earmarked for funding until 2026- 2030. Gougar Road widening to 4 lanes from US6 to Rte 7 is not earmarked in any plan at this time, but is in consideration for future Plans, post the 2040 Plan.
The Caton Farm- Bruce Road Project is #3 on the list with regards to priority according to the WC 2040 Transportation Plan (shown as US 30 to IL 7 (159th Street) at Cedar Road ) in the plan. However, Cedar Road to US 6 to Bruce widening to 4 lanes is at the bottom of the list in priorities. Therefore, these 2 are in conflict with each other, and are not inclusive of a cohesive plan.
In addition, please note that the Projects contained in the Preservation/Modernization list (ie the intersections at Cedar/Francis & Cedar/159th St) did not have priority evaluations completed.
All of these projects are at a stage where any studies have yet to begin.
2016 - March - TCC Meeting
Project Fun Fact - After I-355 was completed, it was stated that I-355 should replace the Curved middle alignment and be the logical end to the project. However, it was stated by the Will County Department of Transportation that the Federal government would not allow this, and that it would constitute the entire project to start from the beginning.
This turned out to not be true in 2016. See video at 1:10 minute mark.
2015 - November - TCC Status Update
Meeting Minutes - Click Here
2015 - September - Will County Board approves Resolution 15-254
Click Here for the Resolution - Burke Engineering - 99-00074-20-EG
Costs Fun Fact - this resolution approved the increase in funding by $133,432 from $3,047,128 to $3,180,560 paid for from the county motor fuel tax funds.
2015 - August - North/South Alternatives Decision Process for the Preferred Alternative
Meeting Minutes - Click Here
Impacts of Re-Evaluating North/South Connector - Click Here
Project Fun Fact - In a Memo dated 8/5/2015 from Civiltech to the Transportation Corridor Committee, it was stated that an interchange at I-355 be evaluated. Why either a) an interchange was never implemented in the plan b) did Civiltech suggest that an interchange be implemented and c) why the inevitable study for an interchange be initiated, now?
According to the WCDOT, the Civiltech memo was not a recommendation for the I-355 interchange. The memo was relaying a request by the eastern municipalities to re-evaluate the eastern route with costs associated with the various options. Those entities originally considered looking at an I-355 interchange option, but upon reviewing costs and other considerations, they decided to only pursue the 3 routes in the engineering agreement (without an interchange) which is what we are undertaking now.
The I-355 interchange is not included and therefore not found to be necessary to accomplish the purpose and need of the project. In the Will County 2040 Plan, an interchange exists as an Improvement, but is asterisked to state that ‘Local applicant to lead Phase I and Phase II per the Cost Sharing policy
Project Fun Fact - In the April 2015 TCC meeting, it was stated that a meeting with the Tollway, IDOT and the Federal Highway Commission must be held to determine if the logical terminus could be at I-355.
In September 2015 this meeting between the government agencies was held, and the Lockport City Administrator specifically asked if I-355 could be used as a leg. They all said yes. Lockport city officials presented this to the County, and then a new study was commissioned. This study will look at removing the Curved Middle alignment, to utilize existing Cedar and Gougar Roads.
2015 - July - Will County Department of Transportation Meeting
Meeting Notes - Click Here
2015 - June - TCC Presentation to Lockport City Council
Click Here for video
2015 - May - Bridge Existing Condition, Bridge Design and Hydraulic Report – Bruce Road over Fraction Run Creek
Click Here for report 1
Click Here for report 2
Click Here for report 3
Project Fun Fact - In May 2020, the City of Lockport approved a study to be initiated regarding the development of an interchange at Bruce Road and I-355 through Burke Engineering. See May 2020 update above.
2015 - April - TCC Status Update
Meeting Minutes - Click Here
2015 - April - Bruce Road and I-355 Bridge clarification memo.
Click Here for report
2014 - January - Fairmont Neighborhood Public Meeting
Brochure - Click Here
Revised Timeline - Click Here
Average Daily Traffic Report - Click Here
Study Area Map - Click Here
Alternatives Summary - Click Here
Alternatives Carried Forward - Click Here
Preferred Alternative - Click Here
Right of Way Illustration - Click Here
Fairmont Preferred Alignment Illustration - Click Here
2013 - November - Will County Board approves Resolution 13-308
Click Here for the Resolution - Burke Engineering - 99-00074-20-EG
Costs Fun Fact - this resolution approved the increase in funding by $237,199 from $2,809,929 to $3,047,128 paid for from the county motor fuel tax funds.
2013 - June - Bridge Condition Report - Bruce Road over I 355
Click Here for report
2013 - January - Bridge Condition – Caton Farm over EJ&E Railroad
Click Here for report
2013 - January - Bridge Condition Reports Over Fraction Run Creek
Click Here for report 1
Click Here for report 2
2012 - October - Illinois Tollway Cost Sharing Policy
Click Here for report
Project Fun Fact - The Illinois Tollway Authority has an Interchange Cost Sharing Policy which is used as a guide for all new interchange requests that come to the Tollway Authority. In general, the Tollway Authority looks to the local agencies to initial these types of projects. The Tollway Authority looks to the Sponsoring entity to follow the Policy and evaluate the need, level of support, project impacts and attributes, financial considerations, traffic impacts before the Tollway Authority agrees to advance a project. The Tollway Authority receives numerous requests for new interchanges, and doesn’t keep a specific list of interchange projects that would be advanced as a part of its capital program. The goal of the Tollway Authority’s Cost Sharing Policy is to:
Establish a framework for interchange cost sharing
Be responsive to local governments and the region
Maximize allocation of Tollway resources
Maintain access that allows for safe travel
With respect to the Bruce Road interchange, the Tollway Authority is aware of the County’s long range plan and the identification of the Bruce Road interchange as a possibility, however, there are no active Tollway studies for this interchange.
The Bridge at I-355 and Bruce is in the WC 2040 Transportation plan only listed out as a line item ‘placeholder’.
2012 - September - NEPA/404 Update - A Resource and Regulatory Agency meeting was held on September 6, 2012 to discuss Concurrence Point No. 3 – Preferred Alternative. Concurrence was obtained from the Regulatory and Resource Agencies. Additional topics of discussion at this meeting included ongoing consultation with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding the Hines Emerald Dragonfly in the Des Plaines River Valley and review of the draft Biological Assessment.
Click Here for the Presentation
Click Here for meeting minutes
2012 - June - NEPA/404 Update - A Resource and Regulatory Agency meeting was held on June 15, 2012 to provide an update of the project and included the following topics: Review of Alternatives to be Carried Forward, Coordination with U.S. Fish and Wildlife regarding the Hines Emerald Dragonfly, Coordination with Illinois Historic Preservation regarding historic sites, & Detailed Engineering and design studies.
Click Here for the Presentation
Click Here for meeting minutes
2012 - April - TCC Status Update Meeting
Click Here for meeting minutes
2012 - February - Phase I Study - Preferred Alternatives reports are published
Click Here for report
Click Here for report
Click Here for report
Project Fun Fact - All reports shown above have a date as of 2012. However, all of the information in the reports was created pre-2006. Previous iterations of the reports were created, but it is the policy of the WCDOT to only keep the most recent iteration/final copy on file. Therefore, it took 10 years to create the 2012 version (final) of these reports.
2011 - December- Will County Board approves Resolution 11-464
Click Here for the Resolution - Burke Engineering - 99-00074-20-EG
Costs Fun Fact - this resolution approved the increase in funding by $247,674.22 from $2,562,255 to $2,809,929 paid for from the county motor fuel tax funds.
2011 - May - TCC Status Update Meeting
Click Here for meeting minutes
2011 - April - IDOT Environmental Conditions Report
Click Here for report
2011 - May - A follow-up meeting was held on May 19, 2011 with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services and the Illinois State Archeological Survey. The meeting was held on the island location in the Des Plaines River Valley to determine potential impacts where the proposed bridge would be located.
Click Here for report
2011 - February - A United States (U.S.) Fish & Wildlife Service Coordination Meeting was held on February 16, 2011 in which concurrence was granted to proceed with further detailed studies of the locally preferred alternative
Click Here for report
2009 - December - Resolutions authorizing approval of additional engineering
Click Here for Resolution 09-381 - Burke Engineering approval - 99-00074-20-EG
Click Here for Resolution 09-382 - 99-00074-20-EG
Costs Fun Fact - this resolution approved the increase in funding by $818,980 from $1,743,274 to $2,562,255 paid for from the county motor fuel tax funds.
Click Here for Resolution 09-383 - Civiltech Engineering approval - 00-00074-21-EG
Click Here for Resolution 09-384 - 00-00074-21-EG
Costs Fun Fact - this resolution approved the increase in funding by $846,372 from $983,038 to $1,829,410 paid for from the county motor fuel tax funds.
2009 - July - Will County Board Resolution in Support of Preferred Middle Alignment
Click Here for Will County Resolution 09-206
Click Here for Interactive Preferred Alignment Map which outlines the entire route
Click Here for simple illustration
Project Fun Fact- Since September 2004, I-355 was not included in the thought process regarding this project, which was predicated on the fact that the tollway would never be built. Therefore, the Curved Middle Alignment was always considered to be the preferred alignment, and the county voted for this alignment in June 2009.
2009 - June - NEPA/404 Update - A Resource and Regulatory Agency meeting was held on June 24, 2009 to provide an update of the project and included the following topics: Studies and Findings to Date, Status of Merger Process, Outcome of Public Involvement, Other Coordination Activities & Outstanding Environmental Issues
Click Here for Presentation
Click Here for Minutes
2009 - May - TCC Meeting - Preferred Alternatives Discussion
Click Here for meeting minutes
Click Here to see Caton Farm - Oak - Bruce Middle alignment interactive illustration
2009 - March - Will County 2030 Transportation Plan is Adopted
Click Here for Plan
Project Fun Fact - The Will County Department of Transportation Project Phase I manager was not included in the 2030 Long Range Planning process to develop the 2030 Transportation Plan. Therefore, the Phase I project manager was not involved as to which decisions were made regarding the 2030 Plan, of which, some plans overlapped with the Caton Farm - Bruce Road Phase I study.
2008 - November - Wetlands/Waters of the U.S. Assessment
Wetland Study file(s) are too large for the website - Contact Us for the files
2007 - November - I 355 Extension was completed
Project Fun Fact - After I-355 was completed, it was stated that I-355 should replace the Curved middle alignment and be the logical end to the project. However, it was stated by the County that the Federal government would not allow this, and that it would constitute the entire project to start from the beginning. This turned out to not be true in 2016. See video at 1:10 minute mark.
2007 - June - Public Meetings to Discuss Alternatives to be Carried Forward
Click Here for illustration
2007 - January- 404/NEPA Update - Concurrence Point #2 was completed with Six Alternatives to be carried forward.
Three concurrence points are needed for any project. They are:
Purpose and Need
Alternatives to be Carried Forward
Development of the Preferred Alternative
Click Here for the Presentation
2006 - December - 404/NEPA Update - Concurrence Point #2 - Follow Up
Click Here for the Presentation
2006 - November - 404/NEPA Update - Concurrence Point #2
Click Here for the Presentation
2006 - February - Presentation of River Crossings
River Crossing Alternatives Summary - Click Here
River Crossings Illustration - Click Here
Traffic Conditions Report - Click Here
2005 - March - 404/NEPA Update - This meeting is referred to as Concurrence Point #1 in the NEPA/404 Merger Process and is attended by such agencies as the Federal Highway Administration, the Illinois Department of Transportation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other affected agencies.
Three concurrence points are needed for any project. They are:
Purpose and Need
Alternatives to be Carried Forward
Development of the Preferred Alternative
The Purpose and Need Statement for this project was approved.
Click Here for the Presentation
2005 - March - TCC Status Update Meeting
TCC Meeting Minutes - Click Here
Project Status Update - Click Here
2005 - January - Bill No. 296 SAFETE Act Funding for Phase II Engineering Costs
Click Here for Bill - See page 125
Funding Fun Fact - The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act (SAFETEA-LU) was passed in 2005 to authorize funds for federal-aid highways, highway safety programs, and transit programs and for other purposes. Line Item No. 296 was earmarked for Will County to begin Phase II engineering and pre-construction activities for a high level bridge linking Caton Farm Road with Bruce Road ($1,600,000). Funding was still intact however it is subject to earmark re-purposing due to its lack of age and use. The original bill funding was for the years of 2006-2009 only.
However, the funding has not been removed on this project (for the 3rd year as of 2018) because the following explanation was provided by the Will County Department of Transportation: The project design team is reevaluating the North-South alignment on the east end of the corridor and is at least a couple of years out from the design approval and the ability to utilize these funds.
Conclusion - Per the 9th District office representative, this money is no longer available and has since expired in 2018.
2004 - February - 404/NEPA Update - A Resource and Regulatory Agency Meeting was held on February 5, 2004 to discuss the Purpose of and Need For Action document for this project. The statement was further refined from the previous May 15, 2003 meeting; however, it was concluded that additional changes still needed to be made prior to receiving concurrence.
2004 - February - TCC Status Update Meeting
Meeting Minutes - Click Here
2003 - May- NEPA/404 Meeting - A Resource and Regulatory Agency Meeting was held to present the project scope, explain the Purpose and Need, Identify important issues, concerns, and constrains, and discuss alternatives
Click Here for Presentation
2003 - February - TCC Status Meeting - Traffic Conditions Report was discussed
Meeting Minutes - Click Here
2002 - October - TCC Project Begins
Scope of Study - Click Here - Outlines Steps in overall Project
TCC Meeting Minutes - Click Here - Initial meeting to discuss overall Project plans
2002 - April & June - Initial public meetings held where Preliminary Alternatives will be presented for public comment.
Exhibits provided at the meetings:
Primary Purpose - Click Here
Need for Improvement - Click Here
Improvement Objectives - Click Here
Federal-Aid Project Implementation Timeline - Click Here
Caton Farm - Bruce Road Phase I Study Project Schedule - Click Here
2001 Existing Average Daily Traffic - Click Here
Desirable Cross Section with Narrow Median - Click Here
Desirable Cross Section with Wide Median - Click Here
2002 - January - Wetland Assessment for the Caton Farm-Bruce Road Project
Wetland Study file(s) are too large for the website - Contact Us for the files
2001 - Will County Division of Transportation entered into agreements with three engineering firms to begin a preliminary engineering study of the Caton Farm Road – Bruce Road corridor.
Initial Timeline Proposal - Click Here
Funding Memo - Click Here
Time Frame Fun Fact - In late 2012, Phase I of the Project was to have been completed.
2000 - November- Joint Agreement between IDOT and Will County is initiated.
Click Here for Resolution 00-458
2000 - November- Resolution for Environmental spending study
Click Here for Resolution 00-457
Cost Fun Fact - November 16th, 2000 the Will County Board approved an initial assessment for environmental studies of $550,000 with Alfred benesch and company.
2000 - November - Initial Authorization of Design Services Funding
Click Here for Resolution 00-455
Click Here for Resolution 00-461
Cost Fun Fact - November 16th, 2000 the Will County Board approved an initial assessment budget of $983,038.
2000 - November - Initial Authorization of Design Services Funding
Click Here for Resolution 00-453
Click Here for Resolution 00-459
Click Here for Resolution 00-450
Cost Fun Fact - November 16th, 2000 the Will County Board approved an initial assessment budget of $1,763,288.42.
2000 - November - Burke Engineering Design Approval Resolution
Click Here for Resolution 00-449
2000 - August - Initial Funding resolution is passed by the Will County Board
Click Here for Resolution 00-292
Cost Fun Fact - November 16th, 2000 the Will County Board approved an initial assessment budget of $1,200,000.
2000 - July- Design Engineering Services Agreement passed by the Will County Board
Click Here for Resolution 00-291
2000 - January - Joint Agreement between IDOT and Will County is initiated.
Click Here for Resolution 00-30