Tolls on I-55? Proposed Expansion Could Bring Additional Costs

BURR RIDGE, IL — Traffic on I-55 between I-355 and I-90/94 could ease up if a proposed expansion goes through, but commuters may have to pay a toll to use the additional lanes. On Monday, March 27, Gov. Bruce Rauner met with Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn and local officials to discuss the proposal.

Officials hope construction of an additional northbound and southbound lane will ease up congestion and save overall costs for commuters and nearby businesses. ABC reports that this section of I-55 currently has “10 hours of congestion” daily. Of course the construction will be expensive, so Rauner proposes a public-private partnership that would offset the private costs via a tollway.

The proposal has met opposition from House Speaker Mike Madigan, who expressed concerns about the proposed private investment resulting from Rauner wanting to help his “wealthy friends,” CBS reported.

April 1 was the deadline for approval in the public sector. To move forward without General Assembly approval, the project could incur additional costs.

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