Former Lockport Mayor Richard Dystrup was preaching to the converted last week when he asked New Lenox trustees to support an organization that favors the proposed extension of Interstate Highway 355 between Bolingbrook and New Lenox.
Dystrup came to New Lenox as a representative of Southern Alliance for the Extension, a coalition of citizens, builders, realtors and other trades and business people who support linking Interstate Highways 55 and 80.
“Our sole purpose for existing is to point out the need for the road,” Dystrup said.
Mayor John Nowakowski said New Lenox officials have been strong supporters of the proposed I-355 link, noting the Village Board passed a resolution in support of the project in August.
Dystrup pointed out that most people commute to work, but not all suburbs have access to both rail and highway transportation. Commuter rail service is limited in Lockport, Romeoville and Bolingbrook.
The southwest suburbs lack a major north-south corridor, he said. “Residents must improvise daily in weaving their way northward and southward.”
