Will County News

August 6, 2014 Joliet mayoral candidate and current City Councilman Bob O'Dekirk released a press release yesterday regarding a bridge over the Des Plaines River to relieve traffic on local roads such as Route 53 in Joliet.  O'Dekirk states he was contacted by union officials claiming to have a plan and private money to build a toll bridge over the Des Plaines to connect CenterPoint with I-80 at Houboult Road.  Full press release from O'Dekirk: "On the heels of yet another semitrailer rollover on I-55 Monday afternoon, Joliet District 2 Councilman, Bob O’Dekirk is calling for an expedited plan to build a proposed truck bypass bridge from CenterPoint to I-80 at Houbolt Rd. "The horrific traffic accident on I-55 last week is a call to action” O’Dekirk said, “these types of accidents and numerous rollovers on both I-55 and I-80 won’t stop until we solve the truck congestion problem plaguing Joliet and the surrounding area.”   O'Dekirk...

The Elwood International Port Authority was created by a vote of the Village of Elwood Trustees in September of 2013.  According to the Village of Elwood, the Authority will promote the efficient movement of heavy truck traffic and work to minimize concerns about traffic congestion causing safety concerns near the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery entrance on Route 53 just south of Elwood.  The Authority's seven member Board of Directors includes Elwood Mayor William Offerman, three Elwood Village Trustees, and three people representing businesses located in the Deer Run Industrial Park. During the December 11, 2013 meeting of the Elwood International Port Authority, major topics discussed included truck traffic on Route 53 and traffic issues related to funeral processions entering and exiting the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery: