​In 2017 The Will County Community Friendly Freight Mobility Plan
(Freight Plan) was completed.  Since becoming the largest inland port in North America, Will County and its communities have benefited from and been challenged by the influx of freight activities.  It was clear to the leadership at the CED and Will County that a freight plan was needed to understand what impacts this industry are having on our roads, workforce, environment, quality of life and and future.  The Freight Mobility Plan provides that understanding. 

"The purpose of the study is to understand the current state of of freight movement; study the growth of this industry in the future; look at best practices for communities to follow; identify critical infrastructure projects for funding and identify workforce issues", according to John Greuling, CEO of the Will County Center for Economic Development.

What We Learned: 

• Freight is critical to the economic success of Will County-57 percent of all private sector jobs in the County are freight dependent. 
• Freight moving through Will County is critical to the economy of the State and the nation (see chart above.)
• Continued expansion of the freight industry without planning and infrastructure will impact safety, traffic and quality of life in the County.
• Will County needs regional, state and federal support to move this freight safely and efficiently across the region and the country.

What Do We Do: 

• Fund the transportation priority projects identified in the plan by securing needed resources at the federal, state and local level.
• Improve east-west highway connectivity in the County to reduce traffic on local roads.
• Clearly identify a truck route network throughout the County.
• Create a public-private partnership with companies in the distribution and logistics industry to assist with workforce training and mobility.
• Coordinate transportation needs with land-use planning that is sensitive to communities and the environment. 

Learn more

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