Tolls May Double To Fund Major Tollway Projects
DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. (CBS) -- Tolls could double on the Illinois Tollway system, which is dealing with a $1 billion shortfall.
As CBS 2's Kris Habermehl reports, the Daily Herald says the Illinois Toll Highway Authority has concluded it will need $6 billion from now through 2026 to preserve and upgrade the tollway system.
But only $5 billion is now available.
The major projects include the Elgin-O'Hare Expressway, which despite its name does not make it all the way to O'Hare International Airport. Funding is needed to extend the expressway to the western edge of O'Hare, and also to build a western bypass around O'Hare, the Daily Herald reported.
Also planned are an interchange at the Tri-State Tollway (Interstate 294) and I-57, new lanes and space for mass transit on the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90), and a northerly expansion of Route 53, the Daily Herald reported.
For these projects – the Elgin-O'Hare extension in particular – tolls might have to double, officials say. Rates last doubled for cash Tollway customers in 2005.
