County Authorizes Condemnation for Francis Road Project
June 3, 2025/
The committee authorized the State’s Attorney’s Office to proceed with condemnation cases for right-of-way acquisition needed for Francis Road improvements between Gougar Road and Interstate 80.
Eight property parcels are involved in the condemnation proceedings, including properties owned by the Joliet Park District, Commonwealth Edison Company, and several private property owners.
The Francis Road project will reconstruct the roadway to current standards and improve drainage in the corridor. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026 pending completion of right-of-way acquisition.
County officials said attempts to negotiate voluntary acquisitions were unsuccessful, necessitating the legal condemnation process.
⚠️ Air Quality Alert issued July 19 at 12:50PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Mon Jul 20
85° 61°
Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Toyota set to construct $3.6 billion expansion in San Antonio
By Robert MattesonThe Center Square Toyota announced that it will invest in a $3.6 billion expansion at its San Antonio manufacturing campus, creating 2,000 new high-quality jobs. The investment will...
Republicans silent, Democrats irate at Iran ceasefire collapse
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square With military hostilities between the U.S. and Iran resuming only weeks after the nations signed a peace deal, Democrats in Congress are demanding that the...
Chicago aldermen consider election reforms, cost savings
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Chicago City Council is considering new election reforms that supporters say could increase voter access and...
U.S. launches more strikes against Iran
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. military is launching more strikes against Iran at the direction of President Donald Trump. U.S. Central Command said the military started launching additional...
Trump calls American military operation in Iran a ‘tremendous military success’
By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square President Donald Trump called the American military operation in Iran a “tremendous military success” on Wednesday at a news conference concluding his time at the...
U.S. Energy Department finalizes $3.3B loan to Texas utility
By Alton WallaceThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Energy Wednesday announced it has finalized a $3.26 billion loan to utility AEP Texas, a subsidiary of American Electric Power, or...
Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago breaks ground on $4.7M torture memorial
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Mayor Brandon Johnson and other Chicago officials have broken ground on a $4.7 million memorial to honor...
Crude oil rises, gas prices may follow
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinoisans are bracing for higher prices at the pump after the United States resumed military action against...
Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas lead country in veteran protection
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Alabama, Louisiana and Arkansas ranked in the top three of the states that provide veterans with adequate healthcare and pension benefits, according to a new...
Trump leaves NATO on old Air Force One, repeats claims he’s Iran’s no. 1 target
By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square President Donald Trump flew back from the 2026 NATO Summit Wednesday on the old Air Force One instead of the new Qatari-donated Boeing 747. When...
Pollster: Biggs set to win Arizona GOP gubernatorial primary
By Zachery SchmidtThe Center Square The Arizona GOP gubernatorial primary is set for July 21, but pollster Mike Noble says the race is “essentially over." Noble Predictive Insights released a...
Chicago mayor says head tax would have prevented deficit
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says his proposed corporate head tax would have prevented his administration’s projected budget...
Former judge Dugan avoids prison, fined $5K for obstruction
By Jon StyfThe Center Square Former judge Hannah Dugan avoided jail time but was fined $5,000 as she was sentenced on Wednesday for a felony obstruction conviction. Dugan was found...
