Proposed Toll Bridge Drawing Opposition From Some Kane County Residents
(CBS) -- It's a multimillion dollar project, and if approved would be the area's first suburban toll bridge. But some call it a waste of more than 100 million in tax dollars and fees.
The proposed bridge would allow travel over the Fox River a mile south of the McHenry county line.
CBS 2's Jeremy Ross has more on the project and its opposition, in this Original Report.
Some picture the future of travel in Kane County.
"We've had a snarled or traffic around the Algonquin, Carpentersville and Dundee area," said County Board Chairman Chris Lauzen.
Lauzen says the Longmeadow Parkway could break up gridlock and break ground as early as late this year.
He adds the $120 million project is about half paid for through state and federal funds. The other half would be paid by the county and cash taken in from vehicle tolls.
"At least if we share the cost it hurts all of us a little bit less," Lauzen said.
But there are signs of opposition with some believing any gains in traffic flow are outweighed by the loss of property value.
"One realtor said it would be a second bubble bursting in the real estate market in this area," said Laura Brehmer.
Brehmer braces for the possible changes and says it affects the pollution and quality of life.
"We understand how important less pollution is and how important beauty is and we're all trying to work tighter," Lauzen said.
The chairman is confident the county has the votes to go forward with the project. They're taking bids on the construction.
Early estimates on tolls vary from $1 to $1.50 and that would use I-Pass.
