Review the study information
Provide your feedback
About the study
Existing conditions
Study area
Alternatives Evaluated
About the Study
The Will County Division of Transportation launched the Mills-Cherry Hill Road Study with a goal of improving safety and mobility in the study area.
You are an essential part of this process and helping WCDOT understand the issues and needs in this area.
Mills-Cherry Hill Road Study Schedule
Phase I
Preliminary Design & Environmental Analyses
2023 to 2025
Phase II
Land Acquisition & Contract Plan Preparation
2026 to 2027*
Phase III
Construction
2028*
Phase I Schedule
Gathering & Analyzing Existing Data
- Traffic and Safety Analysis
- Drainage Studies
- Environmental Surveys
Public Meeting #1
Held October 18, 2023
Introduced the project
Develop & Analyze Initial Alternatives
- Develop alternatives to address project needs
- Identify opportunities to minimize impacts
Public Meeting #2
Held July 30, 2024
Presented alternatives
Identify Preferred Alternative
- Use public feedback to evaluate the initial alternatives
- Develop preferred alternative
Public Meeting #3
August 5, 2025
Present preferred alternative and collect feedback
We are here
What is a Phase 1 Study?
The Phase 1 Study includes:
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Preliminary
Engineering -
Environmental
Studies
Preliminary 
Environmental The Phase 1 Study includes:
- The Phase I Study will result in an established purpose and need for project work.
- It allows WCDOT to understand problems and develop solutions that are the best fit for the community.
- It provides knowledge about social, economic and environmental impacts of roadway improvements.
- The Phase I Study will gather input from residents and stakeholders early in the planning process.
The Phase I Study will result in an established purpose and
need for project work.
It allows WCDOT to understand problems and develop solutions
that are the best fit for the community.
It provides knowledge about social, economic and
environmental impacts of roadway improvements.
The Phase I Study will gather input from residents and
stakeholders early in the planning process.
Project Location
This Phase I Study assessed Mills Road and Cherry Hill Road from U.S. Route 52 to U.S. Route 30, which includes portions of unincorporated Will County, the Village of New Lenox, and the City of Joliet.
These roads are uniquely located among suburban, rural and industrial properties.
Public Meeting 1 and 2 Summary
What Was Identified as a Priority?
- Safety While Driving
- Safety While Walking or Biking
- Mitigating Noise/Traffic
- Environmental Impacts and Improvements
- Address Speeding Concerns
- Improved Community Engagement
Public Meeting 1 and 2 Materials can be found at: MillsCherryHillStudy.com
What We Heard
- Need for Pedestrian and Bicyclist Accommodations
- Concerns over Environmental Impacts
- Concerns over Construction Impacts
- Need for Truck Traffic Control
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Improve Intersection Safety
- Mills Road at Cherry Hill Road
- Cherry Hill Road and Washington Street
- Cherry Hill Road and US 30
- Flooding Concerns
- Improved Lighting
- Cost Concerns
Purpose and Need
The goal of the Mills-Cherry Hill Road Study is to identify solutions that will improve safety and mobility along the corridor.
Project Purpose
- Improve corridor
- Reconstruct pavement safety
- Improve drainage
- Enhance mobility for non-motorized modes
Improve corridor
Reconstruct pavement safety
Improve drainage
Enhance mobility for non-motorized modes
Project Needs
- Safety concerns for all roadway users
- Substandard pavement conditions
- Pavement flooding & roadside ditch ponding
- Gaps in the pedestrian and bicycle network
Safety concerns for all roadway users
Substandard pavement conditions
Pavement flooding & roadside ditch ponding
Gaps in the pedestrian and bicycle network
Crash Data
Traffic Projections Map
Traffic Volume
The 2050 projected traffic warrants one lane of travel in each direction.
- Average Daily Traffic (ADT) is the total 24-hour weekday two-way traffic volume along a segment of road.
- Traffic data was collected June 20, 2023.
- 2050 traffic projections were provided by Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP).
Traffic Projections Map
Preferred Alternative
Video
Key Features
Proposed Compact Roundabout
How to Use a Roundabout
- Entering traffic slows when approaching the roundabout
- Entering traffic yields to vehicles in the roundabout approaching from the left
Key Features
- Traffic is slowed to 15 mph or less improving safety
- Entering vehicles only need to observe vehicles approaching from the left reducing the complexity of navigating around other vehicles
With roundabouts, head-on and high-speed right angle collisions are virtually eliminated.
Traditional Intersection
Roundabout
Potential Vehicle Conflict Point
Non-Motorized Improvements
Non-Motorized Improvements
Section 4(f) Impacts
What is 4(f)?
4(f) properties are identified as publicly owned parks, recreation areas, wildlife and waterfowl refuges, or historic properties.
Section 4(f) Property Impacts
The project impacts the Wauponsee Glacial Trail and the Old Plank Road Trail. These trails are under the jurisdiction of the Forest Preserve District of Will County (FPDWC). Improvements within FPDWC property include:
- Reconstruction of the road
- Connections to new shared-use path and sidewalk
- Construction of storm sewer
- Grading
Access will be maintained throughout construction using a temporary crossing or minor detour.
Will County intends to seek a Section 4(f) “de minimis” impact finding from the Federal Highway Administration based on a determination that the project will not adversely affect the features, attributes, or activities that qualify Wauponsee Glacial Trail or Old Plank Road Trail for protection under Section 4(f). Report is available upon request.
Next Steps
Thank you for your participation in the Mills-Cherry Hill Road Study!
The Study Team will use the public input received as part of Public Meeting #3 to refine the preferred alternative. The meeting comment period is open from August 5 until September 2, 2025.
Stay Involved
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Learn More
Learn more about the road study MillsCherryHillStudy.com
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Contact Us
Email us at connect@MillsCherryHillStudy.com
