Frequently Asked Questions
What are the physical limits of this project?
This study includes Gougar Road from Laraway Road to Francis Road. The section of Gougar Road from Francis Road to US 6 (Maple Road) is not included as part of this project and is not funded or included in the County’s current fiscal year (FY) 2027–2032 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). However, this section of Gougar Road is identified for similar widening to four lanes in the County’s 2050 Long Range Transportation Program.
What is the typical section that is proposed along Gougar Road?
The proposed improvement includes the reconstruction and widening of Gougar Road to meet the Will County Freeway design criteria. The Will County Freeway typical section consists of two lanes in each direction separated by a raised median with curb and gutter on either side. Additionally, improvements include bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.
What other projects are ongoing along or adjacent to Gougar Road?
Below is a summary of projects, adjacent to or within the limits of the Gougar Road Study, that are in progress.
Laraway Road from Cherry Hill Road to Nelson Road
See project website: https://www.larawayroadcorridor.com/.
I–80 from Ridge Road to US Route 30
This project is being performed by IDOT. The I–80 project included a Phase I Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Studies project and Phase II design plans for near–term improvements. The scope of these near–term improvements was developed based on the project’s bridge inspections and traffic and crash analyses. The near–term study focused on specific existing corridor conditions that needed correction, rehabilitation, or reconstruction before the long–term project can be funded for construction. Near–term conditions included operational and safety deficiencies, pavement deficiencies, and structure rehabilitation/reconstruction needs that are present due to effects of use, time, and weather. As part of the planned improvement is the replacement of the Gougar Road over I–80 bridge.
Francis Road from Gougar Road to I-80
Francis Road in this area is a narrow rural two-lane cross section. The roadway will be constructed to the same two-lane cross section, but to current standards. This improvement will tie into the Gougar Road Project on the west end and provide left turn lanes at the easterly end that will also tie into the IDOT improvement of the Francis Road bridge over I-80.
What are the 3 construction projects into which the Gougar Road corridor has been split?
The proposed Gougar Road corridor will be widened to 2 lanes in each direction with an 18-foot raised median and curb and gutter on either side of the road. Some side streets will be widened at the intersection to provide dedicated turn lanes. Bike and Pedestrian accommodations are being added along Gougar Road that will connect in to existing trails. Additionally, noise walls will be added, where applicable.
Laraway Road to Spencer Road
This project is adjacent to the Laraway Road project from Cherry Hill Road to Nelson Road and includes the grade separation of the crossing of the CN Railroad just south of Lincoln-Way West High School.
Spencer Road to Ferro Drive
This segment of Gougar Road will include the reconstruction of the structure over I-80.
Ferro Drive to Francis Road
This section of Gougar Road includes the intersection with US Route 30, the crossing of the Metra Rock Island Line, and a new signal at Francis Road.
What bicycle and pedestrian accommodations are proposed in this study?
The proposed improvements include sidewalk and multi–use path along the corridor to improve bike and pedestrian connectivity along the corridor. Sidewalks are proposed along the western side of Gougar Road with the multi–use path proposed along the eastern side. The sidewalk will terminate at US 30; however, the multi–use path will continue north to connect the regional Old Plank Road Trail with Joliet Park District’s regional trails in Pilcher Park.
As part of this project, pedestrian signals are proposed at the Old Plank Road Trail. These signals are paired with pedestrian push buttons and the median serves as a pedestrian refuge island to facilitate the safe crossing of pedestrians at this mid–block location.
How is drainage being considered?
There are two existing floodplains along the corridor, one associated with Sugar Run and the other with Hickory Creek. Other than these two locations, there have been no identified flooding concerns along Gougar Road that are occurring as a result of the roadway. As there will be significant widening associated with this roadway improvement a mix of stormwater best management practices will be employed. A number of stormwater detention facilities are proposed along the corridor in addition to floodplain compensation areas to manage discharge rates and improve water quality. A closed drainage system utilizing a new storm sewer network is also proposed to collect roadway stormwater runoff.