Executive Committee Advances $28.7 Million BNSF Bridge Project for Lorenzo Road
Will County Executive Committee Meeting | February 11, 2026
Article Summary: The Executive Committee approved an agreement with BNSF Railway to construct a grade separation bridge on Lorenzo Road in Wilmington. The railroad will contribute over $15 million toward the project and provide a one-time maintenance payment to the county.
Lorenzo Road Bridge Key Points:
-
Project: Construction of a grade separation bridge carrying Lorenzo Road (CH 80) over the BNSF Railroad tracks.
-
Location: 1.25 miles west of I-55 in County Board District 1.
-
Total Cost: The estimated total project cost is $28,717,523.80.
-
Railroad Contribution: BNSF will reimburse the county 100% of costs after the execution of ICC funds, up to a cap of $15,102,943.80.
-
Maintenance Fee: BNSF will pay Will County a one-time maintenance fee of $675,003.28 for the useful life of the overpass.
The Will County Board Executive Committee on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, approved Resolution 26-046, authorizing an agreement between the County and BNSF Railway for a major infrastructure project on Lorenzo Road.
The project involves constructing a bridge to separate the grade of Lorenzo Road (County Highway 80) from the BNSF rail line, located approximately 1.25 miles west of Interstate 55. The project aims to eliminate the at-grade crossing, improving safety and traffic flow in the heavy industrial corridor.
According to the agreement attached to the agenda, the total estimated cost of construction is $28,717,523.80. Under the terms of the deal, BNSF Railway will contribute significantly to the project. Once $12 million in Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) funds are executed, BNSF will reimburse the county for remaining costs up to a cap of $15,102,943.80.
Additionally, the agreement stipulates that BNSF will provide a one-time lump sum payment of $675,003.28 to the county to cover future maintenance costs for the structure over its useful life. The county will be responsible for maintaining the roadway, bridge structure, and drainage.
The agreement requires the contractor to maintain strict safety clearances during construction, including 25 feet horizontally from the track centerline.
The measure was moved by Member Jacqueline Traynere and seconded by Member Denise Winfrey. It passed unanimously.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Govt. shutdown leads to over 800 flights cancelled, number growing
Illinois approves $1.5B transit package, funding for long-delayed projects
Supreme Court allows Trump to withhold partial SNAP payment
Illinois quick hits: State EPA looks to fund EV charging stations; Tax Foundation says mayor’s proposal would hinder employment;
Congressional Perks: Committees, caucuses cost $50 million since 2019
Federal Lobbyists Brief Will County on Government Shutdown, Warn of SNAP and TSA Disruptions
Commission Approves Mokena-Area Garage Variance Over Village’s Objection
Will County Committee Advances Gougar Road Bridge Project with Over $540,000 in Agreements
Will County Committee Shapes 2026 Legislative Agendas on Housing, Energy, and Health
FAA funding problems hit airports in California, elsewhere
Judge bars ICE from acting against ‘protestors,’ ‘rapid response’ activists
Report: IL public schools show low academic proficiency, higher taxpayer funding
