Workshops focused on long-term transportation planning, with family-friendly events in Beecher, Manhattan, and Wilmington focused on future projects.

WILL COUNTY –Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant and the Will County Division of Transportation will host three community workshops as part of the county’s “Our Way Forward” Long-Range Transportation Plan. The workshops will be hosted in Beecher, Manhattan, and Wilmington and include family-friendly fun activities and an opportunity for residents to share their input on future transportation projects.

Will County currently is undertaking a long-term planning effort to guide the next 25 years of transportation projects in the county. During the community workshops, the project team will present the public input received during the first phase, the latest findings on existing conditions, and recommendations to address key transportation concerns throughout the county.

The same information will be shared at all three workshops:

  • Thursday, November 7, from 4 – 7 p.m., Beecher AMVETS Post 67, at 532 Gould Street, Beecher; Music and Pie for Your Thoughts Workshop – Featuring live music and free desserts.
  • Saturday, November 9, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Manhattan Fire Protection District, 100 S. Park Road, Manhattan; Touch-a-Truck Workshop – Featuring fire trucks and live safety demonstrations.
  • Sunday, November 10, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Wilmington North Island Park, 250 Bridge Street, Wilmington; Petting Zoo Workshop – Featuring a fun-for-all-ages petting zoo.

The “Our Way Forward” Long Range Transportation Plan is currently in its second phase, focused on preliminary recommendations. After hearing public feedback on potential future projects, a draft plan will be presented in early 2025, and the final plan is expected in August 2025.

The plan currently is assessing county-wide infrastructure for all modes of transportation, including walking, biking, driving transit, and freight. Once completed, the plan will be used to identify transportation investments that align with the public’s goals for the county, such as improved safety and quality of life, reduced congestion, and enhanced economic development.

A survey will be publicly available after the workshops on the project website for those unable to attend at www.ourwaywill.co/engage.