Illinois Leaders Look At Illiana Expressway

Illinois transportation officials are looking at plans to build the Illiana Expressway, including a proposal to connect the proposed highway with I-55.

Reports the Chicago Tribune:

Tollway officials said they would work with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, which is developing the region's most comprehensive land-use and transportation plan to date, due in 2009.

The tollway's effort could ultimately benefit the agency if some of these highways become part of its system.

The action was prompted by a proposal last month from tollway board member James Roolf of Joliet to form an exploratory committee on the so-called Illiana Expressway.

The Illiana Expressway would bypass the heavily congested Northern Indiana-Chicago region by connecting Interstate Highway 65 with Interstate Highway 57.

Roolf suggested that the tollway become involved in the project and possibly extend the expressway all the way to Interstate Highway 55.

Lowell Council Candidate Runs Against Illiana Expressway

A candidate for the Lowell, Indiana town council says he is opposed to the construction of the proposed Illiana Expressway, reports the Northwest Indiana Times.

Says John Alessia:

"One of the many reasons I choose to live in this community is because of its small-town appeal. ... The toll road would rob us of what we cherish on a daily basis," he said.

If elected, Alessia said he will work with his fellow councilmen to "clearly communicate" to local, state and federal lawmakers that the project is ill-conceived and shortsighted.

Illinois Leaders Want Illiana Expressway Action In Land Of Lincoln

David Schwab of the Chicago Heights Star reports Illinois officials are pushing for action on the Illiana Expressway on the Illinois side of the border.

Crete officials are refueling their gas tanks in the drive for the long-proposed Illiana Expressway.

The expressway, which has been discussed in some form or another for a decade or so, would connect Interstates 57 in Illinois and 65 in Indiana, south of the I-80/94 corridor.

"We're trying to jumpstart this thing again," village administrator Thomas Durkin said.

The village is "reorganizing a group of individuals" from both the public and private sectors who may have an interest in the proposed roadway, he said.

Don't Let Fear & Rumors Block Illiana Expressway Study

The editorial board at the Northwest Indiana Times calls on Lake County residents to not let rumors and fears get in the way of studying the proposed Illiana Expressway.

(Lake County Commissioner Gerry) Scheub isn't the only person who has voiced criticism of the shorter version of the Illiana Expressway. Already, opponents are lining up against the Illiana.

Their criticism is premature, however.

What we need next are the facts, not rumors, suppositions and fears. ...

Let's see what the study determines before attempting to shoot down the proposal.

Illiana Expressway Cut From Corridors Of The Future Program

The Illiana Expressway was cut from the Corridors of the Future program, but that doesn't mean that the project to build an interstate connecting I-57 in Will County, Illinois to I-65 in Lake County, Indiana won't still proceed.

From the Northwest Indiana Times:

The Illiana Expressway failed to make the final cut for the federal Corridors of the Future program, a setback that chokes off both instant planning cash and long-term financial perks for the long-stalled Northwest Indiana highway.

Copyright 2007, Christopher Hedges, All Rights Reserved.

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Legislation Illiana+Toll+Road Interstate Transportation Public+Private+Toll+Roads

Anti Illiana Expressway Group Joins With Anti Intermodal Coalition

A group that opposes the proposed Illiana Expressway has joined forces with a LaPorte, Indiana activist group opposed to a proposed Norfolk Southern intermodal rail yard in Union Mills, reports nwi.com.

"We have mutual goals because the wolf is at the back door. There's the obvious connection between the intermodal and the Illiana Expressway. This is by no means won. We know it's coming back and if either project goes through, the other will follow," (said Dave) Ahlberg (of Citizens Against the Privitized Illiana Tollroad).

(Ty) Murray, a business and property owner, said: "We are not opposed to jobs and growth for the community, but this is literally taking LaPorte and transforming it to the likes of East Chicago. We don't want our community to go from a rural community to an industrial community."

WNDU South Bend reports that the intermodal facility has tapped former Democratic Governor Joe Kernan as a consultant.

Writes the South Bend Tribune:

Kernan said intermodals can be strong economic development engines, creating jobs while also reducing tractor-trailer traffic on roads and highways. He said northwestern Indiana is an ideal place for such a project.

"Its proximity to Chicago and multiple railroad lines that connect to Chicago gives it the opportunity for the right kind of facility to be created," he said.

View Larger Map

Copyright 2007, ChristopherHedges.com, All Rights Reserved.

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Legislation Illiana+Toll+Road Interstate Transportation Public+Private+Toll+Roads Intermodal Stop Intermodal Save Our County LaPorte Union Mills Joe Kernan

Realtors Say Illiana Expressway Needed

Northwest Indiana Realtors say that the Illiana Expressway is needed to sell homes in the South Shore Region, writes the president of the Greater Northwest Indiana Association of Realtors in a letter to the editor published in the Northwest Indiana Times.

We already know that our primary east-west corridor, the Borman Expressway, is one of the deadliest stretches of road in the nation, and now the flooding on the Borman, which led to days of road, lane and ramp closures, further illustrates the need for an alterative route between the Indiana and Illinois border, one that does not detour large trucks and commercial and passenger vehicles through our local communities, creating a deluge of traffic and congestion from drivers unfamiliar with local roads and forced off the expressway without a clear direction of how to find their way back on route.

As Realtors, we sell Indiana every day. However it will become increasing difficult to sell a congested area. This failing infrastructure must be addressed.

Copyright 2007, ChristopherHedges.com, All Rights Reserved.

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Legislation Illiana+Toll+Road Interstate Transportation Public+Private+Toll+Roads

Borman Flood Shows Illiana Expressway Need

Flooding on the Borman Expressway -- I-80 & I-94 in Northwest Indiana -- shows the need to build an alternate east-west interstate highway through the area. Rising waters from last week's storms led to all lanes being closed on the Borman Expressway, blocking traffic on of the nation's busiest east-west routes.

Writes the Northwest Indiana Times:

The Borman flooding, which closed the expressway for days and forced heavy traffic onto local streets, also reinforces the need for alternative highways like the Illiana Expressway.

These additional highways must be quickly engineered and constructed to handle the growing traffic and to provide alternatives when one of the area's main roads must be fully or even partially closed.

Indiana transportation and political leaders said the same thing -- the Borman Expressway flood shows the need to build the Illiana Expressway.

Writes the Northwest Indiana Times' Patrick Guinane:

Had the Illiana Expressway been handling traffic -- instead of gathering drawing-board dust -- local roads could have been spared the deluge of cars diverted last weekend from the waterlogged Borman Expressway, transportation officials said Monday.

For naysayers, hoping that transportation problems will solve themselves by halting new road construction is faulty logic. When the Borman Expressway was closed, trucks and cars traveling from New York to California and points in between flowed into Northwest Indiana city streets seeking alternate routes.

And, it is foreseeable that accidents, roadwork, heavy snow, or any number of other reasons could block the Borman Expressway.

From the Northwest Indiana Times:

Andy Dietrick, an Indiana Department of Transportation spokesman, agreed "it would have been helpful to have had another alternate route, such as the Illiana Expressway, onto which east-west through traffic could have been diverted."

It signals why some lawmakers believe talk about the expressway should give way to building it.

"Had it been built 20 to 30 years ago when we first started talking about the idea, then, yeah, we wouldn't have been looking at the problems we had (last weekend)," State Rep. Dan Stevenson, D-Highland, said.

In its current incarnation, the long-stalled highway would connect Interstate 57 in Illinois with Interstate 65 in Lake County. INDOT last week selected Cambridge Systematics, a Massachusetts firm, to conduct the Illiana route study the Legislature mandated this spring.

Let's build the Illiana Expressway so that trucks and cars don't have to travel Northwest Indiana city streets to avoid Borman Expressway traffic jams, construction, and floods.

Copyright 2007, ChristopherHedges.com, All Rights Reserved.

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Legislation Illiana+Toll+Road Interstate Transportation Public+Private+Toll+Roads

Mitch Daniels Speaks About Illiana Expressway And Indiana Toll Road Privatization

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels spoke with the Northwest Indiana Times' editors yesterday about a wide ranging series of topics, including the proposed Illiana Expressway which is currently being studied for construction from I-65 to I-57 in Illinois and the effects of privatizing the Indiana Toll Road.

Mitch Daniels told the Times that his suggestion to extend the Illiana Expressway past I-65 to form a loop connecting with I-94 was "what spurred most of the yelling and I understand that."

Despite the vocal opposition raised by people opposed to extending the Illiana Expressway into Porter County, Mitch Daniels hopes to be able to extend in proposed interstate to I-94 one of these days. "I hope we can keep the conversation going," said Gov. Mitch Daniels.

Daniels also spoke about the effects of privatization of the Indiana Toll Road. Despite some problems with signage advising which lanes are designed for I-Zoom / EZ-Pass / I-Pass toll collection and some backups at toll plazas caused the confusion and some grumbling by union members, Daniels said that the interested made from the Indiana Toll Road lease brought in more money for the state than the Indiana Toll Road did during its first 50 years.

Copyright 2007, ChristopherHedges.com, All Rights Reserved.

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Legislation Illiana+Toll+Road Interstate Transportation Public+Private+Toll+Roads

Bloggers' Thoughts On Soliday's Anger At INDOT's Illiana Expressway Financing Focus

The blog world lit up with the news that Valparaiso Rep. Ed Soliday was angry with INDOT's limited focus on financing options for the proposed Illiana Expressway. Soliday said in news reports that all financing options should be examined, not just private options.

Writes Taking Down Words:

Republican State Rep. Ed Soliday is seriously pissed off at the Indiana Department of Transportation ...

Thomas of Blue Indiana writes that the optimist in him is rejoicing in seeing an elected official voicing the concerns of his constituents, but the cynic sees the move as an attempt to move away from Gov. Mitch Daniels before election time.

Copyright 2007, ChristopherHedges.com, All Rights Reserved.

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Legislation Illiana+Toll+Road Interstate Transportation Public+Private+Toll+Roads

Rep. Soliday Says INDOT Violating Law With Illiana Expressway Study

GOP Rep. Ed Soliday says that INDOT is violating the Illiana Expressway study legislation by limiting its focus to the private financing option pushed by Governor Mitch Daniels, reports the Northwest Indiana Times. Soliday said in a news release that the intent of the Illiana Expressway legislation was to explore all feasible financing options.

Soliday says he is willing to take the agency to court. He argues INDOT is violating state law by pursuing a feasibility study of the proposed highway that would examine only one financing option -- the private tollway model championed by Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels.

Taking Down Words published Rep. Ed Soliday's news release detailing his concerns that INDOT wasn't following the intent of the Illiana Expressway legislation:

"Today, State Representative Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) sent a letter to the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Commissioner Karl B. Browning copying Governor Daniels requesting that INDOT reconsider their decision to focus exclusively on a public-private partnership arrangement as the funding source for the Illiana Expressway, but rather explore all feasible funding options available.

"'My intention of the amendment to Senate Enrolled Act 105 was to have the firm who is chosen by INDOT to conduct the feasibility study of the Illiana Expressway explore all reasonable funding options,' said Soliday. 'I am disappointed that the true spirit and intent of this amendment was apparently overlooked because my careful effort to explicitly enumerate this objective was how I was able to gain strong bipartisan support for this language. It is my hope that the officials at INDOT will reconsider their decision.'

"'The Governor and I both took an oath to uphold the laws of the state of Indiana and an unbiased feasibility study is clearly critical to ensure public confidence in both our offices.'

"Representative Soliday is requesting alternatives to current INDOT direction in the RFP process. These alternatives need to be compliant with 2007 SB105 which was signed into law by the Governor earlier this year."

Blue Indiana weighs in with additional commentary about the Illiana Expressway flap regarding interstate highway privatization:

As Rep. Soliday knows, this isn't exactly a popular idea with, you know, the ordinary Hoosiers who drive on these roads every day.

Copyright 2007, ChristopherHedges.com, All Rights Reserved.

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Legislation Illiana+Toll+Road Interstate Transportation Public+Private+Toll+Roads

Illiana Expressway Could Be Reality By 2018

The Indiana Department of Transportation's Illiana Expressway Phase 2 Grant Application for designation of the proposed highway as a Corridor of the Future contains the following timeline that suggests that if all goes as planned, the Illiana Expressway could be reality by 2018.

See Illiana Expressway Phase 2 Grant Proposal, section 10-1.

Through the Bi-state Agreement between Illinois and Indiana, the general scope of a feasibility study of the Illiana Corridor has been developed. This process has reached another milestone in Indiana Governor Daniels’ recent signing of legislation which directs the Indiana DOT to perform a needs assessment for the Illiana Corridor.

The study will provide a description of the need for an Illiana Expressway, projections for right-of-way acquisition costs, expected use of the proposed expressway and any toll revenues, expected construction costs, expected operating and maintenance costs, funding options, the project’s ability to relieve traffic congestion, and economic impacts.

By following the INDOT EA/Corridor Study Process, this phase of project development will result in a reasonable range of alternatives that may proceed directly into an EIS. The study is to be completed by July 1, 2009.

Following development of the feasibility study, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be completed. This process, which typically takes five years for such projects, will conclude with a record of decision (ROD). Acceleration of this timeframe is possible for the Illiana Corridor because some of the EIS activities are to be conducted in the feasibility study.

Accordingly, a ROD could be achieved by July 1, 2012, two years earlier than with the traditional approach which would result in a ROD by mid-2014.

Final design and engineering will begin on issuance of the ROD. On similar projects, based on a traditional project delivery approach this process would take another four years, combined with right-of-way acquisition, after which construction would commence, in approximately mid-2018.

Copyright 2007, ChristopherHedges.com, All Rights Reserved.

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Legislation Illiana+Toll+Road Interstate Transportation Public+Private+Toll+Roads

INDOT Submits Illiana Expressway Corridors of the Future Application Phase 2

The Indiana Department of Transportation has submitted its Phase 2 application on behalf of the proposed Illiana Expressway being built as a "Corridor of the Future."

Here are links INDOT's Illiana Expressway COF proposal (in PDF):
Part I -- Illiana Expressway and Freight Corridor, Corridors of the Future, Phase 2
Part II -- Illiana Expressway and Freight Corridor, Corridors of the Future, Phase 2

Copyright 2007, ChristopherHedges.com, All Rights Reserved.

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Legislation Illiana+Toll+Road Interstate Transportation Public+Private+Toll+Roads

Why The Illiana Expressway Is Bad For Northwest Indiana

The newspapers, politicians who approved a highway feasibility study and business people think the Illiana Expressway will be good for Indiana.

Sandy O'Brien, Dunelands Sierra Club chair explains in a position paper why the Illiana Expressway is bad for the Chicago Southland and Northwest Indiana for various reasons including, environmental justice, sprawl and the changing nature of our world with issues of high oil prices and global warming altering transportation necessities.

We can't afford the Illiana even if it is "free" and even if it comes with an upfront contribution payment for commuter rail.

Copyright 2007, ChristopherHedges.com, All Rights Reserved.

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Legislation Illiana+Toll+Road Interstate Transportation Public+Private+Toll+Roads

Illiana Expressway Study Bill Passes

The Illiana Expressway is closer to becoming reality now that a study bill has passed the Indiana House and Senate.

Reports the Northwest Indiana Times:

Lawmakers have agreed to study an Illiana Expressway from Interstate 57 in Illinois to Interstate 65 in Lake County. The plan cleared the Senate 48-0 and the House 95-3 on Sunday

The bill gives $2 million to INDOT to study the need to build the proposed Illiana Expressway from I-65 to I-57.

Copyright 2007, ChristopherHedges.com, All Rights Reserved.

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Legislation Illiana+Toll+Road Interstate Transportation Public+Private+Toll+Roads

Illiana Expressway Study Approved By House 91-5

The Indiana House in an overwhelming majority -- 91 in favor to 5 opposed -- has approved a study of the Illiana Expressway in a mass transit study bill, reports the Northwest Indiana Times.

Reports the Indianapolis Star:

The House also voted 91-5 to pass SB 105, which would direct the Indiana Department of Transportation to study numerous mass transit projects statewide, including a commuter rail line from Indianapolis to Muncie. The bill also directs further study of the western portion of the Illiana Expressway in Northwest Indiana by a legislative committee.

The Indiana House's approval of the Illiana Expressway study comes on the same day as Scott Ford, a member of the LaPorte County Economic Development Commission, wrote that Indiana's leaders should study the Illiana Expressway proposals in an opinion piece in the Herald Argus.

Our economic future is tied to Chicago and the ability to move our products and people quickly and effectively. The world will continue to shrink and our region’s ability to generate income for its citizens will continue to be directly linked to cost-effective transportation and highways. The economic reality is that there isn’t enough funding to repair our current infrastructure. No one wants to pay more taxes to build new highways and public/private partnerships may be the answer to these funding issues.

We have to have vision and look toward the future. Many of La Porte’s leaders over the last four decades have focused on short-term results that would be visible during their terms of office. Look at where short-term thinking got us today -- a city and county that lags behind state and national averages in income and education. Our best and brightest young people move away because of limited opportunity.

We can’t afford to say no to the Illiana Expressway until every detail and fact is studied extensively. The next 40 years will be impacted by our vision or lack of it.

Copyright 2007, ChristopherHedges.com, All Rights Reserved.

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Legislation Illiana+Toll+Road Interstate Transportation Public+Private+Toll+Roads

Anti Illiana Expressway Opponents To Attend Hobart Global Warming Rally?

A message on the Citizens Against the Privatized Illiana Toll Road asks members to show up wearing "No Illiana" T-shirts to a noon-time rally against global warming in Hobart, Indiana on April 14 at the Hobart First Unitarian Church.

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Legislation Illiana+Toll+Road Interstate Transportation Public+Private+Toll+Roads global warming

Let's Build Burnham's Third Ring Road: House Approves Illiana Study Legislation

The Indiana House passed legislation yesterday that would authorize a study of the Illiana Expressway from I-65 in Lake County, Indiana to I-57 in Illinois, reports the Northwest Indiana Times.

The measure was passed by voice vote after it was offered as an amendment. The legislation removes the possibility of the Illiana Expressway extending into Porter County or being operated by private entities, reports the Northwest Indiana Times.

State Rep. Ed Soliday, R-Valparaiso, won support Thursday for a plan to study an Illiana Expressway that won't run through Porter or LaPorte counties or be built with the help of private financing.

The proposal, contained in an amendment the House adopted by a voice vote, still would allow the state to study building the road as a tollway, but only from Interstate 65 in Lake County to Interstate 57 in Illinois. Supporters say the move would put some concrete answers behind a debate now fueled by emotion.

"We need the facts," Soliday said. "Let's get the facts, and let's stop shouting at one another."

The Illiana has been a dream of urban planners for decades. But loud opponents in southern Porter County saw it as a nightmare that would end their bucolic lifestyle.

Reports the Post-Tribune:

The measure allows only a study of the proposal. It does not give the governor authority to enter into a public-private partnership for a company to build the Illiana.

"Let me repeat: There is no P-3 authority in this amendment," Soliday said while explaining his plan, an acknowledgement that much of the opposition in Northwest Indiana to an earlier bill focused on the power it would have given Gov. Mitch Daniels to pursue such a contract to build the Illiana after a study was finished.

Soliday's amendment sets a two-year time limit on the study, and caps the state's payment for the work at $2 million. The study would look only at the western leg of the proposal, from Interstate 57 in Illinois to Interstate 65.

Soliday's amendment would create a bipartisan committee composed of four senators and four representatives to which The Indiana Department of Transportation would report the findings of the feasibility study.

The measure stipulates at least four of the eight members of the committee come from Lake County.

"We can't decide whether to do anything until we have accurate information about whether this would work," Soliday said. "Let's get that information."

Now, let's get out there and study the Illiana Expressway, then build Daniel Burnham's third ring road around Chicago by connecting the Illiana to I-355 at I-80! The visionary planner of Chicago's beautiful lake front saw the need for a third ring road almost a century ago!

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Legislation Illiana+Toll+Road Interstate Transportation Public+Private+Toll+Roads

Will Toll Road Plans End Political Careers?

Hoping to defeat plans to authorize the construction of the Illiana Expressway from I-65 to I-57, the Citizens Against the Privatized Illiana Toll Road plan to make private toll roads a major election issue, writes their leader, Dave Alhberg on CAPIT's message board.

Two years will get us past the current term of the Governor. I'm sure privatization and road building will be a major issue in the election NEXT YEAR.

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Legislation Illiana+Toll+Road Interstate Transportation Public+Private+Toll+Roads

Truck Freight Arteries

Truck freight traffic flows
to and from
Northwest Indiana
via I-80 / I-94.

The Borman Expressway (I-80/I-94) is a major truck freight artery that is filled with flowing traffic that eventually ends up in Texas, according to a map published by Trans-Texas Corridor using federal highway statistics.

Notice I-69 is another major artery flowing with truck freight traffic.

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Legislation Illiana+Toll+Road Interstate Transportation Public+Private+Toll+Roads

200 Illiana Protesters Meet in Lake County

About 200 Illiana Expressway protesters gathered to voice their opposition to the proposed toll road at a meeting organized by the Citizens Against the Privatized Illiana Toll Road, reports the Northwest Indiana Times.

Speakers at the forum -- hosted by Lake County Commissioner Gerry Scheub and Michael Jordan and Julie Clark, all of whom oppose the proposed road -- said the Illiana would benefit Illinois at the expense of Indiana farmers and taxpayers. They decried governmental eminent domain powers. They voiced concern that the road would worsen urban sprawl.

West Creek Township Trustee/Assessor Rick Niemeyer called the proposed expressway a "road that's going to get people to move through our area as fast as they can without stopping."

Scheub floated his alternative: an extension of Chicago's Lake Shore Drive through Indiana. His proposal would improve Indiana's shoreline, bring highly paid jobs to Indiana and reduce taxes, he said.

I have to admit that I like the idea of extending and creating a Northwest Indiana Lake Shore Drive. Maybe that could be something that would be included in Rep. Pete Visclosky's Marquette Greenway proposal for Lake County's lake front?

I wonder if the compromise solution will be to have the state start purchasing additional I-80 / I-94 right of way north of the existing Borman Expressway to be able to create additional lanes to handle the extra traffic predicted in the next ten years or so. Maybe express lanes for California-to-New-York trucks and local lanes could be created as a compromise solution.

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Legislation Illiana+Toll+Road Interstate Transportation Public+Private+Toll+Roads

Non-Elected Board To Collect Train Tax?

Will Northwest Indiana residents start paying a train tax imposed by a non-elected board of political appointees to fund a mass transit project connecting Valparaiso and Lowell to the South Shore Train line?

Indiana State Rep. Chet Dobis (D-Merrillville) proposes a new wheel tax of up to $50 to pay for a South Shore Line extension to Lowell and Valparaiso. The new tax would be charged to vehicle owners in Lake and Porter Counties.

The Post-Tribune reports that the train tax plan would let the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority impose the tax to pay for the project that could cost $900 million.

Questions have been raised about the plan to let a non-governmental agency levy taxes, reports the Northwest Indiana Times.

State law already permits local vehicle taxes of up to $25, but Lake and Porter are not among the more than three-dozen counties that impose the levy. Dobis' plan would bypass county officials, instead giving the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority power to impose a single rate of up to $50 a year on motorists in Lake and Porter counties.

"I have serious concerns about allowing a non-elected board to impose any kind of tax," said state Rep. Dan Stevenson, D-Highland.

Other lawmakers, including some from outside the region, also questioned the wisdom of turning taxing authority over to the RDA board, which is appointed by county officials, mayors and the governor. Dobis acknowledged the "bone of contention" but suggested the scenario is no different than non-elected school boards that lord over multimillion-dollar construction projects.

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Legislation Illiana+Toll+Road Interstate Transportation Public+Private+Toll+Roads

More Evidence The Illiana Fight Unites Both Left And Right

The Daily Kos last month covered the Illiana Expressway issue after blog post author "ManfromMiddleton" picks up a copy of a conservative student newspaper at Purdue University: It's more proof that the Illiana Expressway Toll Road has the potential to unite the political Left and political Right in one coalition.

From the Daily Kos (special recognition to Dalton over at Porter County Politics for noticing it):

Thomas wrote about the Illiana highway project and the regional planning commission's opposition to it earlier today. From Thomas, I expect this, though we've never actually met, I have what I think is a decent understanding of the guy. Walking through one of the buildings on campus earlier this week, I picked up a new paper that I had never seen before, the Purdue Review. What attracted me was a headline on the frontpage, "The Real Toll of Illiana: The End of Rural Indiana", that turned out to be highly critical of Daniels adminstration. All the more suprising then my realization that this was the new campus conservative newspaper. Opening the page to see the Gipper 6 inches from my kisser gave it away.

I'm sure that we disagree about many other things, but I agree with much of what Jeff Schultz has to say.

The Daily Kos quotes Jeff Schultz's article:

Mitch Daniels told the 2006 Republican convention that, "if you are not for this plan, you are against our future." Indiana has always been a rural, Midwestern state. There might be more than corn in Indiana but let's not forget our roots. A big part of future is still in small communities like mine. Don't listen to Daniel's rhetoric. He's a politician and it's his job to lie. Being a newspaper writer, it is my duty to tell you the truth and the truth is that if you are for the building of the Illiana Expressway then you are against our future (those who live in Northwestern Indiana.) Daniels doesn't care. He probably wouldn't mind sacrificing a few, despicable hicks like us off the map. Maybe we are hicks, but we have the right as American to live a life of freedom and happiness.

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Legislation Illiana+Toll+Road Interstate Transportation Public+Private+Toll+Roads

LaPorte Businesses Want Illiana Study

While the Illiana Expressway plans may be scaled back or permanently tabled, LaPorte business leaders are requesting Indiana legislators conduct a feasibility study of the highway project.


Writes Daniel Przbyla in the LaPorte Herald Argus:

Forty-eight businesses in La Porte, including 24 manufacturers, signed a petition circulated by the Greater La Porte Chamber of Commerce last month in support of a feasibility study into the 50-mile tollway that would cut through Lake, Porter and La Porte counties before linking up with the Indiana Toll Road. The petition was forwarded to state legislators, Northwest Indiana Forum and Northwest Indiana Regional Planning Commission.

“How can you make an informed decision without a study? Let’s do a study and see what happens,” chamber President Mike Seitz said.

“Fifteen to 20 years from now it will be gridlock on the Borman Expressway (I-94). (La Porte manufacturers) don’t want their trucks idling for hours on the Borman.”

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Legislation Illiana+Toll+Road Interstate Transportation Public+Private+Toll+Roads

What Illiana Expressway?

Residents of northeastern Illinois haven't heard much about the Illiana Expressway proposal, reports the Daily Southtown, even though local Illinois leaders are in favor of the new highway.

The proposed highway remains a favorite of municipal leaders and businesses who favor the economic development it will bring.

Ed Paesel, executive director of the South Suburban Mayors & Managers Association, envisions an expressway south of Monee, running north of the proposed south suburban airport near Peotone and cutting across Illinois 394 along Goodenow Road before reaching I-57.

Paesel said the ongoing widening of the Kingery and Borman expressways will not be enough to handle future traffic volume.

"Every capacity study shows us that in a short number of years, those lanes will be filled up," Paesel said. "There is no room for any more lanes."

And if the path of the Illiana Expressway is not decided soon, the land will be gobbled up by suburban sprawl, he said.

But the motoring public still needs to catch on to the concept.

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Legislation Illiana+Toll+Road Interstate Transportation Public+Private+Toll+Roads

South Bend Tribune Calls For Illiana Expressway Study

The South Bend Tribune calls for a study of the feasibility of the Illiana Expressway Toll Road.

Right now, it appears to be 'bye. Or, at best, wait and see. And that might be just as well. But we believe a study of the proposed Illiana Expressway proposal is in order. It could be an important component of a much-needed comprehensive long-term Indiana transportation plan.

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Legislation Illiana+Toll+Road Interstate Transportation Public+Private+Toll+Roads

Valpo Chamber Of Commerce Supports Illiana Expressway Study

The Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce passes a resolution urging a study of the effects of building the proposed Illiana Expressway Toll Road.

According to a resolution passed by the Chamber of Commerce, the "Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce supports the complete and accurate study of the effects of the Illiana Expressway on Northwest Indiana and its impact on the quality of life, environment, economic development, transportation, and growth of Valparaiso and Northwest Indiana."

Source: NWI.com

Writes the Valpo Chamber in a news release:

The Board of Directors of the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce took a position in support of a feasibility study concerning the need for a new arterial highway to ease the congestion on the Borman Expressway.

This position supports the complete and accurate study of the effects of the proposed Illiana Expressway and its impact on the quality of life, environment, economic development, transportation, and growth of Valparaiso and Northwest Indiana.

“A new highway through LaPorte, Porter, and Lake Counties will have significant impact on this region,” explained Rex Richards, president of the Valpo Chamber. “It is critical to gather the necessary facts to make an informed decision.”

The proposed Illiana Expressway, connecting I-57 in Illinois and I-94 in Indiana, would be publically owned but built with private funds, not tax dollars, and operated under contract as a tollroad. The highway was conceived to help relieve increasing traffic congestion in Northwest Indiana and the Chicagoland area.

Tech Tags: Illiana+Expressway Illiana Illiana+Legislation Illiana+Toll+Road Indiana+Senate+Bill+1 Interstate Transportation Public+Private+Toll+Roads

Foreign Investment In Illiana Toll Road Expressway Defended

George Mrak defends plans to allow foreign investment in the proposed Illiana Expressway Toll Road pointing to foreign ownership of various Northwest Indiana businesses, including Mittal Steel, BP Amoco, Westfield Shopping Town Southlake Mall, and the Indiana-American Water Company.

From Mrak's letter in the Chesterton Tribune:

All these businesses provide jobs and services for many Americans, even to you, your friends, and neighbors. Foreign investment in this country has a beneficial effect on our economy, and suggesting that it would be detrimental to the building and operation of a toll road is fear-mongering at its worst – look up xenophobia in the dictionary.

Tech Tags: Illiana+Expressway Illiana Illiana+Legislation Illiana+Toll+Road Indiana+Senate+Bill+1 Interstate Transportation Public+Private+Toll+Roads

Why The Fuss Over SB1, If It Isn't Needed?

Shelby County Truth writes that INDOT officials are saying legislation isn't needed to conduct an Illiana Toll Road study.

Here is a very interesting article about the Illiana Toll Road proposal from the Northwest Indiana Times.

Apparently, INDOT representatives now say that SB 1 is not needed for the purpose of conducting a study.

Shelby County Truth pointed this out weeks ago, when the supporters of the ICC Toll Road trumpeted SB1 as calling for “just a study.”

The fact is, the state of Indiana does not need legislative approval to do feasibility study of either toll road proposal. As the INDOT representative points out, SB 1 is for the purpose of authorizing the building, and selling of the roads.

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Legislation Illiana+Toll+Road Indiana+Senate+Bill+1 INDOT

NWI.com Online Poll Shows Illiana Support

NWI.com's online poll "Should the Indiana Department of Transportation do a study on whether to build the Illiana Expressway?" is showing respondents are in favor of the study 64% (285) to 36% (162), as of Wednesday, about 2:10 p.m.

This is despite messages on CAPIT's bulletin board encouraging its membership to vote "No."

Tech Tags: Illiana+Online+Opinion+POll Illiana Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Legislation Illiana+Toll+Road

No-Illiana CAPIT Group Meeting 3-22

Just a FYI: Citizens Against the Private Illiana Toll Road will be meeting at Westville High School March 22 at 7 p.m., according to their message board at No-Illiana-Tollroad.com.

Tags: CAPIT No-Illiana Illiana Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Legislation Illiana+Toll+Road

Will Union Support Win Over Democrat Votes For Illiana?

Porter County Politics blog asks if union support will save the Illiana Toll Road proposal from defeat.

Just when it looks like Governor Daniels has had it with Northwest Indiana, throws up his hands and pronounces "why work so hard for them, they didn't elect me anyway." the unions join hands to pull their democratic pals into line.

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Legislation Illiana+Toll+Road Interstate Transportation Public+Private+Toll+Roads

A 1990 Study Suggests Illiana Won't Cure Borman Congestion

The Post-Tribune reports that a 1990 study commissioned by Sen. Richard Lugar found that building the Illiana Toll Road would not solve Borman Expressway congestion problems because most of the I80-I94 traffic was local.

A study conducted in the early 1990s concluded that an Illiana-like expressway wouldn't single-handedly solve congestion problems on the Borman Expressway.

The Interstate 94 Congestion Relief Study considered several options including construction of an east-west suburban expressway, removing the tolls from the Skyway and Indiana Toll Road, and expanding the Borman to either eight or 10 lanes. In 1991, the Borman contained six lanes.

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Legislation Illiana+Toll+Road Interstate Transportation Public+Private+Toll+Roads

CAPIT Member Issues Warning About Illiana Toll Road

Recent articles in the Northwest Indiana Times in support of the Illiana Toll Road Expressway have raised concerns in CAPIT -- Citizens Against the Privatized Illiana Toll Road -- members' minds.

See Pro-Illiana Group Forms and Illinois Officials Back Illiana Expressway.

Writes Terri Ahlberg in the No Illiana Toll Road message board (free membership to Yahoo required):

When you read this article it actually points out something we have been saying all along....we do not need Senate Bill 1 to do a study...we need it to move forward to build the road..at least they are starting to state the obvious! The big money behind this push is disturbing.

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Legislation Illiana+Toll+Road Interstate Transportation Public+Private+Toll+Roads

Pro-Illiana Group Forms

Five Northwest Indiana organizations have joined to create a pro-Illiana Toll Road advocacy group, reports the Northwest Indiana Times.

Five groups have put out a joint statement that "advocates facts on the Illiana."

Some of those stand in stark contrast to numbers promulgated by opponents, according to Jim Zaleski, a spokesman for the organizations.

"We want to create public discussion on this topic because that's what needs to take place," Zaleski said.

The organizations say according to transportation planners' numbers, the Illiana will take up 2,500 acres, not the 16,000 acres recently cited by opponents. It also cites the fact that "the farming way of life" does quite nicely all along Interstate 65 between Northwest Indiana and Indianapolis.

"We just want to make sure realistic numbers are used," Zaleski said. "It's not our purpose to be in conflict."

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Legislation Illiana+Toll+Road Interstate Transportation Public+Private+Toll+Roads

Illinois Officials Back Illiana Expressway

The Northwest Indiana Times reports that Illinois officials favor the Illiana Expressway project, including Illinois' Senate Majority leader.

Illinois leaders are calling for a study of the Illiana Expressway to be completed as soon as possible and for an intense federal lobbying effort to have it declared a Corridor of the Future.

"Everywhere I go, this is the No. 1 issue," said Illinois Senate Majority Leader Debbie Halvorson, D-Crete. "We need the Illiana. We need a way to get off the Borman (Expressway)."

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Legislation Illiana+Toll+Road Interstate Transportation Public+Private+Toll+Roads

Illiana Expressway Is A Federal Corridor Of The Future

While legislative support for building the Illiana Toll Road seems to be slipping after a meeting with opponents at the Porter County Fairgrounds, the Federal Government has selected the Illiana Expressway as one of 14 "Corridors Of The Future."

From The Times:

The 63-mile highway, which Gov. Mitch Daniels wants to build as a privately financed tollway, is one of two Indiana projects selected among 14 finalists for the federal Corridors of the Future Program. The U.S. Department of Transportation initiative aims to accelerate multistate projects geared toward alleviating highway congestion.

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Toll+Road Transportation Highways Corridors+Of+The+Future

Would Opposition Cease If Illiana Stopped At I-65?

A Porter County legislator's comments have me wondering if the compromise to get the Illiana built might be to just run the Illiana from I-65 to the west?

Reports the Chesterton Tribune:

According to a statement released today, State Sen. Vic Heinhold, R-Kouts, has announced that he wants to remove the largest portion of the Illiana Toll Road from the rest of the language in S.B. 1. Instead, the statement said, he “favors an independent study of the eastern leg extending from I-65 east through Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties.”

I wonder if a win-win could be had by all if the Illiana began at I-65 in Lake County and extended westward?

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Toll +Road Illiana+Legislation Transportation Highway Interstates

Illiana Toll Road Debate Time

The debate surrounding the proposed Illiana Toll Road has generated much discussion in the local media and throughout the Internet.

In Favor of the Illiana Toll Road:

The proponents of the Illiana Toll Road tout its economic development prospects. Building the road will create many high paying union jobs, as well as spur new business development along the route. The Illiana Expressway would alleviate traffic problems on the Borman Expressway by allowing cross-country trucks to avoid that often congested highway.

“This project would dramatically improve the economy of Northwest Indiana by increasing the quantity and quality of our region’s transportation network and improve the quality of life in the region by reducing the congestion on the Borman Expressway," said Construction Advancement Foundation Executive Director Dewey Pearman.

"The Illiana would improve the economy of the region in two significant ways—creation of thousands of high-paying jobs and creation of wealth in the region.”

Opposed to the Illiana Toll Road:

The opponents of building the Illiana Toll Road predict dire consequences for their way of life, the environment, and ask if there is really demand for another east-west route connecting Indiana to Illinois. Building the Illiana Expressway would cause further declines in North Lake County cities, Illiana opponents say, because it would encourage people to move further south.

"Progress to the people in this room is to live in a community where they have 20 to 25 kids in the classroom. Progress is having their children in 4-H and Cub Scouts and having rural ties," said Porter County Commissioner Bob Harper, an Illiana Expressway opponent at a meeting of Illiana opponents.

Who is right?

Sound off and leave a polite comment that will enlighten and pursuade.

Tech Tags: Transportation Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Toll+Road Illiana+Legislation Highway Interstate Road+Construction

Illiana Gets Construction Advancement Foundation Support

The Construction Advancement Foundation throws it support for construction of the Illiana Toll Road, reports the Chesterton Tribune, saying the Illiana Expressway interstate highway project would "create 'thousands of high-paying jobs,' improve 'the quality of life for residents of the region,' generate 'wealth,' and cost taxpayers 'nothing.'"

“It is an indisputable fact of regional economies that as access to better transportation systems improves the region’s economy prospers,” said Construction Advancement Foundation) Executive Director Dewey Pearman in a
statement released on Friday.

“This project would dramatically improve the economy of Northwest Indiana by increasing the quantity and quality of our region’s transportation network and improve the quality of life in the region by reducing the congestion on the Borman Expressway. The Illiana would improve the economy of the region in two significant ways—creation of thousands of high-paying jobs and creation of wealth in the region.”

The construction group said that a mile of interstate highway costs about $20 million to construct in Northwest Indiana and would create 800 jobs.

Says Pearman:

“National data (indicate) that 40 jobs will be created for every one million dollars spent on highway construction. The job creation math for this project is simple.

With 800 jobs being created for every mile of highway construction, a 40-mile stretch of new interstate highway running through Northwest Indiana would create 32,000 jobs. Since the exact route of the Illiana has not been determined, and will not be determined until after a comprehensive study is completed, the highway could stretch to 50 miles, creating 40,000 jobs.”

The construction group estimates that Northwest Indiana trades people earn between $27 per hour to $39 per hour with benefits packages of $10 per hour to $15 per hour, reports the Chesterton Tribune.

Tech Tags: Transportation Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Toll+Road Illiana+Legislation Highway Interstate Road+Construction

Valparaiso Chamber Of Commerce Calls For Illiana Study

Taking Down Words writes Valpo's Chamber of Commerce wants an Illiana study, rather than giving Gov. Mitch Daniels "a blank check to do whatever he wants."

Tech Tags: Transportation Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Toll+Road Illiana+Legislation Highway Interstate Road+Construction

Illiana Toll Road Quick Links

Some Illiana Quick Links:

The Illiana - Peotone Connection -- The Daily Southtown

Illinois' proponents of the Illiana keep Peotone airport issue separated from Illiana debate.

Wanted: Answers For Illiana Questions -- The Northwest Indiana Times

Should the Illiana Expressway be built beyond I-65?

Illiana Foes Say Plan's Impact Needs Review -- The Post-Tribune

Is SB 1 -- the Illiana legislation -- a green light to build the new Illiana Toll Road?

Illiana Expressway / Toll Road Announcement

From IN.GOV:

INDIANAPOLIS (December 12, 2006) - Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels announced today the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) have signed an agreement to study potential locations for a new interstate-quality highway connecting I-57 in Illinois to I-94 in Indiana. The proposed highway, known as the Illiana Expressway, would be publicly owned but built with private funds, not tax dollars, and operated under contract as a toll road. The highway would help relieve increasing traffic congestion in Northwest Indiana and the Chicagoland area.

"The Illiana Expressway would stimulate jobs all along its route, and help both the economy and quality of life throughout Chicagoland by alleviating congestion. The possibilities for intermodal distribution alone are enormous," said Daniels.

After selecting an engineering firm for the project, engineers will perform a full-scale environmental impact analysis and identify a final highway alignment.
The bi-state study, estimated to cost between $5 million and $10 million, is expected to take no more than three years to complete. INDOT will be the lead agency, and the two states will share the cost of the study. State and federal approval are needed before construction could begin.

Addressing the movement of freight will be a significant factor in the study. Rail yards in the Chicagoland area feed a large number of trucks using the current highway system. In Indiana, the Borman Expressway (I-80/94) is the
state's second busiest highway and half of the traffic is semi-trucks. The new highway would address these traffic issues:

• The current expansion of the Borman Expressway is the last because there is
  no additional land available. This expansion is expected to handle traffic
  growth for about 15 years.
  
• The number of trucks that use the Borman each is expected to increase by 50 percent in the next 20 years. Right now, there are 28,000 per day.
  
• 300,000 vehicles travel between Indiana and Chicago each day on the Borman, US 6, US 30, the Indiana Toll Road and local streets.
  
• The metropolitan planning organization for Northwest Indiana estimates that the Illiana Expressway would reduce truck traffic on US 30 by 59 percent and on the Borman, by 22 percent.
  

The costs of congestion are considerable. According to the Texas Transportation Institute, wasted fuel and time delays cost each traveler in the Chicago area nearly $1,000 annually. A national study, conducted in 2005 by the Federal Highway Administration, found delays due to congestion cost the trucking industry and its customers a minimum of $32 an hour, or some $8 billion annually.

The highway would be approximately 63 miles, with 50 of that in Indiana. Truck-only lanes will be evaluated along with the latest technology to facilitate the efficient movement of traffic and freight.

A map of the proposed study area may be found at this link.

Tech Tags: Transportation Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Toll+Road Illiana+Legislation Highway Interstate Road+Construction

Indiana Senate Bill 1 -- Illiana Expressway Legislation

From IN.Gov:

Indiana Senate Bill 1 -- Indiana Commerce Connector and Illiana Expressway

DIGEST OF SB1 (Updated February 12, 2007 4:51 pm - DI 84)

Indiana Commerce Connector and Illiana Expressway.

For purposes of the statute concerning tollways, permits the designation of the Indiana Commerce Connector, the Illiana Expressway, or both (instead of a part of Interstate Highway 69) as a tollway.

For purposes of the statute governing public-private agreements concerning toll roads, deletes the prohibition against a public-private agreement (without legislative authorization) that would permit an operator to impose tolls for the operation of motor vehicles.

Provides that, for purposes of statutes governing public-private agreements concerning toll road projects, neither the Indiana finance authority nor an operator may issue a request for proposals for or enter into a public-private agreement (other than for the Indiana Commerce Connector or the Illiana Expressway) unless the general assembly enacts a statute authorizing that activity.

For purposes of the statute governing public-private agreements by the department of transportation: (1) authorizes public-private agreements for the Indiana Commerce Connector, the Illiana Expressway, or both (instead of a part of Interstate Highway 69); and (2) deletes the current authority for offerors that submit a proposal on a project that consists in whole or in part of a tollway to submit alternative proposals based upon the assumption that a different part or none of the project will consist of a tollway.

For purposes of the statute governing the designation of state highways as tollways, permits the designation of the Indiana Commerce Connector, the Illiana Expressway, or both (instead of a part of Interstate Highway 69) as a tollway without legislative authorization.

Creates legislative review committees for proposals concerning the Indiana Commerce Connector and the Illiana Expressway.

Tech Tags: Transportation Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Toll+Road Illiana+Legislation Highway Interstate Road+Construction

Welcome to No Illiana Toll Road?

Welcome to No Illiana Toll Road?

There has been so much debate and controversy surrounding the plan to build the Illiana Toll Road or Expressway that it warrants public debate and discussion.

I don't have an opinion on whether the Illiana Toll Road should be built. I need some convincing either way. Share your opinions on this issue that promises to change Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties for the better or for the worst during the next 100+ years.

Supporters say the Illiana Toll Road project will create jobs for generations to come, initially as union workers build the highway, then as housing and businesses build up along the route. Proponents say cross-country trucks will use the route to avoid the heavily congested Borman Expressway, as well as Indiana residents working in Illinois.

Opponents to the Illiana Toll Road raise concerns that the new private-public tollway threatens their rural way of life, could harm the environment, cause further harm to North Lake County as businesses and people are drawn further south to the new developments.

There are probably many more issues for and against.

Share them with the world!

Tech Tags: Illiana+Toll+Road Illiana+Expressway Public+Private+Toll+Roads