Monee eyeing I-57 access study

Monee officials are keeping an eye on the upcoming I-57 Access Study Public Meeting that includes a proposed extension of the interstate south of Peotone-Wilmington Road to north of Manhattan-Monee Road. 

Open to the public, the meeting is slated for Tuesday, August 26, from 3 to 6 p.m., at the Will County Fair Atrium, 710 S. West Street, in Peotone.

The purpose of the meeting is to provide a study update, present the purpose and need for the highway improvements, and to obtain public input.

The study “aims to evaluate and propose improvements that will meet travel demand for the study area for the year 2050.” It includes I-57 from Wilmington-Peotone Road in Peotone to M-M Road in Monee.

A similar session in June focused on the eastward extension of M-M Road through the village, creating an overpass that would carry truck traffic over Governors Highway and the Canadian National Railway, continuing along a path north of the McCorkle Subdivision and Golf Vista, and between Monee Elementary School and Country Meadows subdivision.           

An alternate proposal called for a truck route that would cut between Walkers Grove and Heather Brook Subdivisions, between Rt. 50 and Will-Center Road – an area central to future commercial and residential development.

Residents and village officials reacted with alarm to both proposals, and the village officially has voiced its concerns to the Will County Division of Transportation.

During the August 13 meeting of the village board, Trustee Chuck Rakis made note of the upcoming study meeting.

“Anyone who is concerned with that whole study, I ask that you get over there and check that out, because it would affect our area immensely,” he said. “It would be a huge thing.”

Trustee John Henson agreed.

“On that same note, the Will County Board meets the third Thursday of every month, and you can bring that up over there also and have your voice heard.”

Trustee Michael Wilson commented, as well.

“For those who don’t know what Trustee Rakis was talking about, go,” he said.

“Even if you know about what’s going on, go. I think the…numbers really have had an impact on the situation. I think it would have been a different situation if we didn’t show up in numbers. There’s strength in numbers and, with this, it’s going to take a village.

“I still don’t understand how it’s even plausible how they can even…bring about these options that they have.

“So, show up…and if anybody needs a ride, I’m willing.”

Although he did not comment during the board meeting, Village Administrator Ruben Bautista said later Monee will continue to work with WCDT officials to find amicable solutions.

“The village welcomes the opportunity to engage in the upcoming traffic study meeting in Peotone,” he said.

“We see this as a chance to work collaboratively with our regional partners, share valuable insight, and ensure transportation improvements benefit all communities involved.

“While Will County’s past east-west freight mobility proposals have raised very serious concerns by Mayor Bogs’ Administration for our residents and business owners, our goal in this process with the Illinois Department of Transportation is to evaluate every plan on its merits, looking for solutions that enhance safety, improve traffic flow, and support the local economic vitality, without compromising the character or needs of our village.

“We remain hopeful that open dialogue, thoughtful planning, and a shared vision are key to achieving positive outcomes, and we are committed to being an active, constructive voice in that discussion.”