Over the past decade, the County has experienced rapid growth. In fact, Will County is projected to be one of the fastest growing counties in Illinois. The 2030 Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission (NIPC) population projection for Will County is over 1.1 million from an existing population of approximately 500,000. The projected increase in employment is from approximately 169,000 to 443,000 by 2030. To plan for this continued growth, the County is developing a 2030 Transportation Plan with the following purpose:

• Establish goals, objectives, and policies for the transportation plan
• Evaluate the performance of the transportation system
• Determine transportation projects and priorities
• Provide information to guide transportation decisions
• Identify resources to implement transportation projects

Currently, Will County has a 2020 Transportation Plan, adopted in December 2000. Since the adoption of this plan, the county has grown significantly and the regional agencies, Chicago Area Transportation Study (CATS) and the Northern Illinois Planning Commission (NIPC), have updated regional forecasts and developed a 2030 regional transportation plan (RTP). In addition, the planned development of the South Suburban Airport (SSA) would influence development patterns and affect existing roadways in the eastern portion of the Will County. These planning efforts will serve as inputs into the development of a Will County 2030 Transportation Plan. The planning process will yield a county-wide comprehensive transportation plan that addresses mobility, infrastructure, and revenue issues related to anticipated growth in development. The plan will encompass a multi-modal approach including roadways, transit, and non-motorized facilities.

A key component of the planning process will be the integration of land use and transportation improvements. The Will County 2030 Transportation Plan will be developed in response to future land activity within the County and the surrounding area. The planning process will consider the County’s Land Resource Management Plan. As a result, the transportation plan will meet the varying needs of those that live and work in Will County.