Feds give Illiana Expressway green light

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois and Indiana got a green light Thursday to keep moving forward on plans for a controversial toll road linking the two states.

In a joint announcement, the states said the Federal Highway Administration signed off on the planning phase for the $1.5 billion Illiana Expressway, signaling that officials can now move the project into an implementation phase.

Next up for the 50-mile roadway will be the continued exploration of a public-private partnership to finance the road, as well as the start of land acquisition.

The expressway, envisioned to help motorists bypass heavy traffic congestion in Chicago, would link Interstate 55 near Wilmington in Illinois with Interstate 65 near Lowell in Indiana.

Landowners, environmental groups and regional planning officials say the road will be an expensive boondoggle that will take farmland out of production and provide few benefits for drivers.

If you think you may be affected by the Illiana Project and/or are interested in a free consultation, contact our eminent domain landowner attorneys at 1-888-318-3761 or visit us on the web at www.landownerattorneys.com.

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