City of Joliet Announces Planning Study and Community Meeting for I-80 Des Plaines River Bridge Area

City of Joliet Announces Planning Study and Community Meeting for I-80 Des Plaines River Bridge AreaPost Date:07/17/2025 10:34 AM For Immediate Release: Contact: July 17, 2025 Jayne Bernhard, Planning Director, jbernhard@joliet.gov, (815) 724-4052 City of Joliet Announces Planning Study and Community Meeting for I-80 Des Plaines River Bridge Area $3.5 Million in State Funding Available for Community Improvements Joliet, IL - The City of Joliet, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), will hold the first community meeting for the I-80 Des Plaines River Bridge Community Plan, a comprehensive planning study that will determine how $3.5 million in state funding will be used for community improvements in neighborhoods affected by the I-80 bridge replacement project. As part of IDOT's commitment during the I-80 reconstruction environmental review process, the state has allocated $3.5 million specifically for improvements within the defined impacted area. These improvements are limited to the area generally bounded by S. Chicago Street/IL 53 to the east, S. Center Street to the west, McDonough Street to the north, and Edwards Street to the south. A full map of the area is available on the project webpage at https://www.joliet.gov/i80communityplan. The Community Plan will engage residents and stakeholders to identify priority projects that enhance community cohesion, connectivity, and quality of life. "This planning process represents a significant opportunity for residents to shape the future of their neighborhood," said Jayne Bernhard, Planning Director for the City of Joliet. "We're committed to ensuring that community voices drive the decision-making process for how these funds are invested." The planning study will examine potential improvements including a multi-use trail along the Des Plaines River, traffic calming measures on Water Street, an honorary plaque for Reverend Varnado, and other projects to strengthen neighborhood identity and cohesion. "This is about more than infrastructure - it's about people," said Mayor Terry D'Arcy. "We want to make sure that this investment reflects the needs and hopes of those who live here. I encourage every resident to take part in this important process and help us build a stronger, more connected Joliet." Community Meeting Scheduled The first community meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at All Nations Church of God, located at 507 Water Street, Joliet. The meeting will be held in a drop-in format, allowing residents to participate at their own pace. Food will be provided, and Spanish interpretation will be available. The Community Plan is expected to be completed in 2026, with implementation of the recommended improvements to follow. The planning process will include multiple opportunities for public input, including additional community meetings, one-on-one engagement, and a dedicated community steering committee. For more information about the I-80 Des Plaines River Bridge Community Plan, visit https://www.joliet.gov/i80communityplan or contact the project team at i80communityplan@joliet.gov or (815) 242-2212. # # # About the City of Joliet The City of Joliet is located in Will and Kendall counties in the State of Illinois, 30 miles (48 km) southwest of Chicago. It is the county seat of Will County. At the 2020 census, the city was the third largest in Illinois, with a population of 150,362. For more information about the city, visit https://www.joliet.gov. Media Contact: Rosemaria DiBenedetto, Media Engagement and Communications Director, Cell: 847-269-5556 or email: rdibenedetto@joliet.govReturn to full list >>