The Illinois State Toll Highway Authority recently proposed higher tolls - including a doubling of truck tolls - to pay for a comprehensive $5.5 billion system-wide reconstruction and widening program.
The proposed increase, the authority emphasizes, is the first in almost 20 years and only the third toll increase in the Illinois Tollway's 44-year history.
Illinois Tollway Chairman Arthur Philip said the 15-year capital construction program is the only realistic and fiscally responsible solution that rebuilds and widens worn-out roadways as well as improves travel and relieves congestion.
"Continuing a program of Band-Aid maintenance will only lead to more frequent construction, increased congestion and ultimately, a waste of toll-payers' money," Philip said.
The Board of Directors proposed to increase the base 40-cent toll rate in 2002 by 35-cents, with a 10 percent discount for I-PASS electronic toll collection users. According to published reports, truck tolls would soar from $1.25 to $2.50.
The Board also recommended a second increase would be necessary in 2010 to complete this plan.
Originally set at 30 cents in 1958, tolls were last increased in 1983 to the current 40-cent rate. Passage of a new toll rate increase will require public hearings in 12 counties in northeastern Illinois, before the Board of Directors can vote on the proposal.
The proposed increase, the authority emphasizes, is the first in almost 20 years and only the third toll increase in the Illinois Tollway's 44-year history.
Illinois Tollway Chairman Arthur Philip said the 15-year capital construction program is the only realistic and fiscally responsible solution that rebuilds and widens worn-out roadways as well as improves travel and relieves congestion.
"Continuing a program of Band-Aid maintenance will only lead to more frequent construction, increased congestion and ultimately, a waste of toll-payers' money," Philip said.
The Board of Directors proposed to increase the base 40-cent toll rate in 2002 by 35-cents, with a 10 percent discount for I-PASS electronic toll collection users. According to published reports, truck tolls would soar from $1.25 to $2.50.
The Board also recommended a second increase would be necessary in 2010 to complete this plan.
Originally set at 30 cents in 1958, tolls were last increased in 1983 to the current 40-cent rate. Passage of a new toll rate increase will require public hearings in 12 counties in northeastern Illinois, before the Board of Directors can vote on the proposal.
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