Title
Joint resolution appropriating $1,600,000 of ¼% Sales Tax for Transportation funds for the acquisition of necessary right-of-way, by agreement or condemnation, and other right-of-way costs associated with the improvements of Wadsworth Road, from Illinois Route 131 to Sheridan Road.
Staff Summary
• Wadsworth Road, from Illinois Route 131 to Sheridan Road, needs to be improved, inclusive of a center turn lane and non-motorized improvements.
• Preliminary engineering plans and right-of-way plats identifying the right-of-way needs for the improvement have been prepared.
• This project is included in the Transportation Improvement Program with construction anticipated to begin in 2027 and designated as Section 19-00055-08-RS.
Body
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Wadsworth Road, County Highway 17, is a designated route on the county highway system; and
WHEREAS, Lake County believes it would be beneficial to the safety and welfare of the traveling public if Wadsworth Road, from Illinois Route 131 to Sheridan Road, could be improved inclusive of a center turn lane and non-motorized improvements; and
WHEREAS, Lake County, by and through its Division of Transportation, has caused to be prepared preliminary plans and right-of-way plats identifying right-of-way needs for the improvement; and
WHEREAS, property values and associated right-of-way costs have been estimated; and
WHEREAS, an appropriation of funds is required.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by this County Board of Lake County, Illinois:
SECTION 1: It is hereby determined that it is necessary, and desirable, that Lake County acquire title to, and possession of, all of the real property within the proposed new right-of-way lines, and any reasonable modifications to the right-of-way lines along Wadsworth Road, from Illinois Route 131 to Sheridan Road, together with construction and other easements, both temporary and permanent, and any reasonable modifications to the proposed easements, for the improvement of said highways, all as outlined in plats of highways made under the direction of Shane E. Schneider, County Engineer of Lake County, Illinois, copies of which are filed in the office of the Lake County Engineer, which said real property and easements are necessary, required, and needed for the improvement of said highways.
SECTION 2: That the Lake County Division of Transportation, or its agents on behalf of Lake County be, and they are hereby authorized, empowered and directed to negotiate with, and purchase from, the owner or owners of all the real property determined to be necessary under this resolution and described in the said plats of highways.
SECTION 3: In the event that said Lake County Division of Transportation is unable to agree with the owner or owners of said real property upon the compensation to be paid therefore, then title to, and possession of, said real property described in Section 1 of this resolution, shall be acquired by condemnation by Lake County. The State’s Attorney of Lake County is hereby authorized, empowered and directed to institute proceedings in any court of competent jurisdiction to acquire title to, and possession of, said property for Lake County in accordance with the Eminent Domain Laws of the State of Illinois.
SECTION 4: That there is hereby appropriated $1,600,000 of ¼% Sales Tax for Transportation funds for the purchase of the real property determined to be necessary under this resolution, for right-of-way acquisition for this improvement as described in the said plats of highways and other associated right-of-way costs, and designated as Section 19-00055-08-RS.
DATED at Waukegan, Illinois, on August 12, 2025.