Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Federal Highway Administration has approved plans for a 47-mile expressway between Illinois and Indiana.
Illinois and Indiana officials announced Thursday that the Illiana Expressway can now move to the implementation phase. That will mean looking for public-private partnerships to construct, maintain and operate the $1.5 billion project.
The controversial expressway would give cars and trucks an east-west link between Interstate 65 in Indiana and Interstate 55 in Illinois.
Supporters say it will relieve traffic congestion on Interstate 80 south of Chicago and create much-needed jobs.
Critics say the project is unnecessary and warn taxpayers could be on the hook if toll revenue falls short. Opponents are fighting it, and a lawsuit is pending.
Please enable JavaScript to view this content.