Building Will Together
A strong community starts with strong infrastructure. Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant is leading efforts to upgrade roads, bridges, and public facilities across Will County, helping provide the foundation of what our communities need to grow and prosper. Through strategic investments and visionary projects, she has ensured that Will County remains a vibrant, safe, and connected community.
$504 Million Investment in Local Roads
Under Jennifer’s leadership, the county is undergoing a $504 million multi-year plan to improve local roads, bridges and sidewalks.
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This Investment aims to addresses the growing needs of Will County, focusing on alleviating traffic congestion, enhancing road safety, and supporting economic growth. Projects under this initiative include the widening of key roads and the enhancement of transportation networks, which are crucial for the region’s expanding population and businesses.
Reliable and Safe Drinking Water for All
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As part of a broader initiative to ensure that all communities within Will County have access to reliable and safe water services, Jennifer is helping to secure millions in federal, state and local resources to overhaul aging water infrastructure.
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Funding is helping to replace lead pipes in the Village of Plainfield, Village of Shorewood and University Park and expand access to drinking water in the Villages of Beecher, Crete, Channahon, Frankfort and City of Crest Hill. Jennifer also helped secure funding for needed improvements to the water system for the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 in Joliet.
Children’s Advocacy Center Expansion
Recognizing the importance of supporting vulnerable populations, Jennifer oversaw the expansion of the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center.
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The new, larger facility is designed to offer a more comfortable and supportive environment for children and families in crisis. This expansion is a testament to her dedication to protecting and nurturing the most vulnerable members of the community, ensuring they receive the care and support they need during challenging times.
Expanding Access Will County Dial-a-Ride Service
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Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant has taken a leading role in expanding public transportation services across Will County, with a particular focus on improving accessibility for underserved communities, seniors and persons with disabilities.
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Her efforts have centered on enhancing the Access Will County Dial-a-Ride service and conducting comprehensive studies to optimize paratransit services.
One of Bertino-Tarrant’s significant accomplishments is the expansion of the Pace Dial-a-Ride service to underserved townships. Recognizing the transportation challenges faced by residents in these areas, her administration worked to extend the reach of this vital service, providing more people with reliable and affordable transportation options. This expansion allows seniors and people with disabilities to access essential services, including healthcare, employment, and education, thereby improving their quality of life.
In addition to expanding current services, Bertino-Tarrant has also prioritized understanding and addressing the specific transportation needs of residents who rely on paratransit services. To this end, she initiated a paratransit market study to gather data and feedback from the community. This study is a critical step in ensuring that paratransit services are effectively tailored to meet the needs of those who depend on them, particularly individuals with disabilities and older adults.
New Health Department and Coroner’s Facilities
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In addition to road improvements, Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant has been instrumental in advancing the county’s public health infrastructure.
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Will County recently completed a new Health Department and coroner’s facility. These facilities provide modern amenities and increased capacity to better serve the community’s needs.
New Bike and Pedestrian Trails
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Jennifer has supported new projects to expand recreational infrastructure, as well as enhance existing recreational opportunities, including new trails and connections throughout the county.
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Will County is set to build a Route 66 trail link, along with the new bike and pedestrian trails connecting Joliet and Lemont, and the recently opened Veterans Memorial Trail section, Jennifer is committed to promoting outdoor activities and healthy lifestyles. Additionally, the installation of 400 new trail signs enhances the usability and safety of these trails, making them more accessible to residents.
Helping to Reduce Truck Traffic
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Will County News Article >
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Jennifer has taken significant steps to address traffic congestion and reduce truck traffic across the county, particularly in areas heavily impacted by commercial transportation.
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One of Bertino-Tarrant’s key accomplishments is securing federal funding aimed at reducing truck congestion in Eastern Will County. This funding is crucial for advancing initiatives that alleviate the burden of truck traffic on local roads, which has been a growing concern for residents and businesses alike. The funding will support projects designed to enhance traffic flow and reduce the impact of heavy trucks on the community.
A major infrastructure achievement under Bertino-Tarrant’s leadership is the completion of the Houbolt Road Extension Project, which includes the opening of a new bridge. This project is a critical component in redirecting truck traffic away from residential areas and onto dedicated routes designed to handle heavy commercial vehicles. By providing a more efficient path for trucks, this extension helps to alleviate congestion on local roads, improving the quality of life for residents.
Additionally, Bertino-Tarrant has overseen significant progress on the $1.3 billion I-80 Corridor Project. This massive infrastructure initiative is focused on expanding and upgrading a crucial stretch of highway that serves as a vital artery for both commuter and commercial traffic. The project aims to reduce congestion, improve safety, and accommodate future growth in traffic volume.
Beyond these specific projects, Bertino-Tarrant has also collaborated with local and state officials to begin planning comprehensive solutions for truck traffic relief in the Joliet area. Recognizing the unique challenges posed by the region’s industrial growth, these planning efforts are aimed at developing long-term strategies to manage truck traffic effectively while supporting economic development.