CHICAGO (WLS) — The Illinois Tollway board convened on Wednesday morning and gave unanimous approval to a significant toll increase plan.
The directors endorsed a comprehensive 15-year initiative, valued at $26 billion, aimed at overhauling and enhancing the tollway infrastructure.
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For drivers, this could mean higher expenses. The proposal would increase car tolls by 45 cents starting in 2027, while commercial tolls are projected to rise by 30 percent.
This initiative represents the largest toll increase ever for the state.
In the lead-up to the decision, tollway officials organized a series of public meetings, which have elicited various responses from stakeholders.
People who support the proposal said the investment could improve safety, create jobs, and help upgrade roads across the state.
The tollway’s “Driving Connections” plan, calls for $26.5 billion in investment over 15 years.
Tolls will increase starting January 1, with additional increases built in every two years.
Under the proposal, the average passenger toll will go up from an average of 7 cents per-mile, to 11 cents per-mile.
The Illinois Tollway points out the rate is less than the national average of 16 cents per-mile.
While it will be more expensive for daily commuters and travelers, the impact to the trucking industry is significantly more costly
Several people have spoken in support of the toll hike Wednesday morning, saying they regularly rely on the tollway system and improved road conditions will be impactful.
“As our communities continue to grow, families like mine can reach home safely and efficiently. Without investment, roads will age,” Emily Crain, who lives in Berwyn, said.
“When that system works well, it expands people’s choices. They can choose where they want to live, where they want to work and where they want to do business that gives people the options without transportation limiting factor,” Laura Newman, a representative of the Batavia mayor’s office, said.
The last time the agency approved raising tolls was back in 2011, a controversial action then that nearly doubled costs for drivers.
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