If you’ve ever driven through the intersection of Cedar and Laraway Road in New Lenox, you probably remember what it used to be like: tight lanes, long delays, and flooding that turned commutes into headaches.

Today, it’s an entirely different experience.

PT Ferro Construction, in partnership with the Will County Division of Transportation and the Village of New Lenox, completed a full intersection reconstruction designed to increase safety, improve traffic flow, and support the rapid growth of the area. And the results speak for themselves.

What was once a three-lane rural intersection has been reimagined as a seven-lane, future-ready corridor complete with dedicated turn lanes, modern traffic signals, a brand-new stormwater system, and LED lighting. But the transformation didn’t stop at surface level.

“Traffic flow used to back up on Cedar, and it’s not anymore,” said Michael Szubryt, Land Surveyor and Resident Engineer with WCDOT. “The new configuration just works, and you feel it every time you drive through.”

The project wasn’t without its challenges: utility conflicts, land acquisition, and a mid-project labor strike all required strategic problem-solving. But thanks to strong collaboration and field leadership, PT Ferro kept the project on schedule.

“I drive this intersection two to four times a day,” added Eric Wesel, Design Manager. “It’s improved, it’s faster and easier to get to and from work now.”

Farmers who once watched water pool in the corners of their fields now see dry ground. Commuters get to work on time. Emergency vehicles move through the area with less delay. And for everyone who travels this route, the investment is already paying off.

The intersection has even received national recognition, earning the 2024 Perpetual Pavement by Design Award from the Asphalt Pavement Alliance, proof that this isn’t just a smoother road, it’s a smarter one.

To dive deeper into the project’s impact, scope, and execution, read the full case study here: