Project Overview

The I-80 Des Plaines River Bridge Community Plan is an important partnership between the City of Joliet and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). The Plan will address community improvements in the neighborhoods surrounding the I-80 Des Plaines River Bridge.

IDOT's larger I-80 reconstruction project includes replacing and relocating the Des Plaines River Bridge. IDOT has committed $3.5 million for community improvements to address impacts from the bridge relocation. This Community Plan will determine how those funds should be used to best benefit the surrounding neighborhoods. 

Unlike previous I-80 engagement efforts that focused on environmental review and property acquisition, this planning process concentrates specifically on identifying and implementing community improvements that enhance connectivity, community cohesion, and neighborhood identity.

Project study area:

  

Our Approach

The planning process will be collaborative and community-driven. Working with residents, community leaders, and stakeholders, we will:

• Identify community vision, needs and priorities

• Develop options for community improvements

• Build agreement around preferred options

• Create cost estimates and implementation plans

• Produce a final Community Plan that reflects the community's vision

Plan Development Timeline

The Community Plan development will take place over approximately 18 months, with multiple opportunities for community involvement throughout the process:

Community Improvements

The plan will explore possible concepts that build upon ideas expressed by community partners during the 2020-2022 engagement process, including:

• Identify community vision, needs and priorities

• New walking and biking trail connecting neighborhoods along the Des Plaines River between Varnado Park and areas where the existing I-80 bridge will be demolished

• Enhanced lighting for safety and aesthetics

• Historic plaque for Reverend Varnado Park

• Traffic calming measures along Water Street
   

Get Involved 

Your participation is essential to the success of this Community Plan. The planning process will include community meetings where you can learn about the Plan and share your ideas, as well as direct outreach and conversations with residents. These engagement efforts will help ensure that the improvements reflect the community's needs and priorities.

Community Meeting 2 - November 13th, 2025

Our second public meeting took place virtually on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Share your input as we explore proposed concepts for the trail and other community spaces. We'll present the draft community vision and highlight community needs identified for the plan.

At this meeting, we:

• Presented a recap of Community Meeting #1 feedback

• Shared the draft community vision statement

• Highlighted prioritized community needs

• Explored proposed concepts for the trail and other community spaces

• Gathered feedback on design options and amenities

• Discussed next steps and timeline 

View the meeting flyer: English, Español 

View meeting materials and share your comments!

Please review these materials and share your comments and ideas via the comment form below:

View the improvement concepts
View the community meeting presentation 
Fill out the comment form  

Community Meeting 1 - July 22nd, 2025

Our first public meeting for the Plan took place on July 22nd, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at All Nation Church of God, 507 Water St, Joliet, IL 60436. Community members participated in discussions about the project and shared their input at interactive stations.

At this meeting, we:

• Discussed the project and its purpose

• Looked at examples of community improvements

• Brainstormed vision and goals for the community

• Identified needs that should be addressed in the Plan

• Had interactive stations where participants shared their ideas and preferences

View meeting materials and share your comments!

Please review these materials and share your comments and ideas via email.

View the meeting flyer: English, Español 
View the meeting factsheet: English, Español
View the meeting boards: English  

Stay Informed

Sign up for our email list to receive updates about the planning process and upcoming meetings. Provide your email address below and select "I-80 Des Plaines River Bridge Community Plan" on the next page.

Contact Information

For more information about the I-80 Des Plaines River Bridge Community Plan or to share your ideas, please contact:

• Email: i80communityplan@joliet.gov

• Phone: 815-242-2212 

Jayne Bernhard, Planning Director
Email: jbernhard@joliet.gov
Phone: 815-724-4052