Title/Name/Summary
143rd Street Widening from Will-Cook Road to Wolf Road, IDOT Letter of Intent
History
Over the past several years, the Engineering Department has met regularly with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to advocate for additional funding for both the design and construction of the 143rd Street Widening. On May 16, 2025, the Department submitted a formal request letter (attached) to Mr. Jose Rios, Region 1 Engineer for IDOT, outlining the project’s readiness, the Engineering Department’s long-standing and persistent efforts to secure federal and state grant funding, and the successful acquisition of necessary easements from the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (FPDCC). The letter also included a detailed summary of funding application efforts undertaken by the Department since 2015. As part of this request, the Village requested that IDOT fund the section from Will-Cook Road to Wolf Road.
IDOT approved this request in a letter dated December 12, 2025 (attached). In its correspondence, IDOT indicated that it was preparing a Letter of Intent (LOI) outlining the anticipated State participation in the project.
On May 29, 2026, IDOT issued the Letter of Intent (attached), IDOT is committing $26,150,000.00 to the project. This includes funding for Phase I Engineering updates, remaining items for Phase II Engineering, Right of Way Engineering, Right of Way Acquisition, Construction, and Phase III Construction Engineering Services. The Village will continue to act as the lead agency for the improvements and coordinate the project through IDOT's Bureau of Local Roads.
IDOT's funding of the project is contingent upon the Village assuming responsibility of 143rd Street from Will-Cook Road to Wolf Road via a jurisdictional transfer. A Jurisdictional Transfer Agreement (JT) will be prepared at a separate date and the transfer would occur after the completion of construction.
Upon receipt of the Village's concurrence, the funding will be programmed by the State.
Financial Impact
IDOT's financial participation in the project will increase $26,150,000.00.
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to approve the Letter of Intent with IDOT, as fully presented in the recommended motion.
(Full motion - not necessary to be read)
I move to approve the Letter of Intent with the Illinois Department of Transportation for the State's financial participation of $26,150,000.00 for the 143rd Street Widening from Will Cook Road to Wolf Road, including the Village's assumption of jurisdiction over 143rd Street from Will-Cook Road to Wolf Road pursuant to a future Jurisdictional Transfer Agreement after construction is completed;
AND
Authorize the Village Manager to execute all related contracts and documents, subject to Village Attorney review.