Gougar Road (CH 52) is a county highway located in parts of Joliet, New Lenox, and unincorporated Will County. The limits of the study are from the intersection of Laraway Road (CH 74) to Francis Road (CH 64), which is approximately 3.3 miles long. Gougar Road is a two-lane road under the jurisdiction of Will County Division of Transportation.

The area surrounding Gougar Road is primarily agricultural fields with existing residential, commercial, and industrial developments. At the north end of the project, Gougar Road is adjacent to the Barber and Oberwortmann Horticulture Center, Birdhaven Greenhouse and Conservatory, Woodruff Golf Course, and Higenbotham Woods, which are under the jurisdiction of the Joliet Park District. Gougar Road also intersects the Old Plank Trail, which is under the jurisdiction of the Forest Preserve District of Will County. Trinity School is located on Gougar Road just south of Francis Road. Lincoln Way West High School is located on Gougar Road at Spencer Road. Providence Catholic High School is located on US Route 30 approximately 1000 feet east of Gougar Road. Cherry Hill Business Park is located along Gougar Road and is bounded by I-80 to the north, Spencer Road to the south, Cherry Hill Road to the west, and Gougar Road to the east.

The area is expected to continue to develop and with that it is anticipated that travel demands will only increase. The intent of the project is to investigate and address the capacity of the roadway to accommodate future traffic demands while ensuring a safe and efficient traffic flow.