Engineering Firm Hired for Gougar Road Bridge Replacement
Will County Board Meeting | November 2025
Article Summary: The Will County Board authorized a $301,000 contract for the design of a new bridge carrying Gougar Road over the Canadian National Railroad in New Lenox. The project aims to improve safety and traffic flow at a critical infrastructure point.
Gougar Road Bridge Key Points:
-
Project: Phase II Design Engineering for the Gougar Road Bridge (County Highway 52).
-
Location: Gougar Road over the Canadian National (CN) Railroad tracks in New Lenox Township.
-
Cost: $301,703.00.
-
Contractor: A. Epstein and Sons International, Inc.
-
Scope: The firm will design a new structure and roadway approaches to replace the existing infrastructure.
JOLIET – Will County is moving forward with plans to replace the Gougar Road bridge over the Canadian National Railroad in New Lenox, authorizing a significant engineering contract on Thursday.
The Board approved a supplemental professional services agreement with A. Epstein and Sons International, Inc. valued at $301,703. The firm is tasked with “Phase II” design engineering, which involves creating the final contract plans, easement documents, and right-of-way plats necessary for construction.
The project targets a section of Gougar Road (County Highway 52) that serves as a key artery in District 2. The current structure over the CN tracks has been identified for replacement to meet modern traffic and safety standards.
Funding for the engineering work will come from a combination of sources, potentially including the Illinois Commerce Commission Grade Crossing Protection Fund, County RTA Tax funds, and County Motor Fuel Tax funds.
This design phase is a critical precursor to construction. Once A. Epstein and Sons completes the structural and roadway design, the county will be positioned to bid the project for construction, likely in a future fiscal year.
Latest News Stories
Indiana voters to decide compeititive congressional primary races Tuesday
U.S. debt tops 100% of GDP, ‘deeply troubling’ for economy, national security
U.S. troops in Italy, Spain hang in balance as troop reduction in Germany announced
Federal appeals court halts access to mail-order abortion drug
Village Board Approves Industrial Rezoning on Gougar Road Over Resident Protests, But Freezes Construction for Years
Labor unions back McCormick’s plan to reform federal permitting
Court-ordered tariff refunds bypass consumers who paid
Professor: Surging gas prices will have long-term effects
Professor: Surging gas prices will have long-term effects
Illinois Quick Hits: DHS says ICE captures child sex abuser released by Illinois DOC
Durbin calls probe ‘sham’; state lawmaker backs transparency
Lawmen believe trip from Carolinas to Washington a threat to Trump