In recent days you may have heard or read stories about congestion and its impact on the region.
We welcome the discussion as an opportunity to highlight how Gov. Pat Quinn and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) are addressing the situation.
As home to almost 10 million people, the Chicago area presents unique challenges to combating congestion. In addition to being one of the world’s great cities, Chicago is the country’s freight center and the Midwest’s gateway to the global marketplace. Put simply, we are a busy place ? and our global competitiveness depends on continued investments in our world-class infrastructure.
In 2009, Gov. Quinn and the General Assembly passed the first jobs bill in 10 years ? the $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! capital program. Through the end of 2010, the state invested almost $7 billion repairing or replacing 4,800 miles of road and 500 bridges and creating approximately 135,000 jobs. Nearly half of those funds were invested in projects in Chicago and the suburbs.
In 2011, we will both begin and complete a variety of projects ? making improvements to your commute and assisting businesses that rely on making quick deliveries, rather than being stuck in traffic.
This year, the city of Chicago ? with $300 million from IDOT ? is tackling the next phase of the Wacker Drive reconstruction. Plans are progressing for an interchange between Interstates 294 and 57 in Cook County’s south suburbs. Construction will start on the Algonquin bypass in McHenry County. Additional lanes will be built on U.S. 30 in Will County, Illinois 53 in DuPage County, U.S. 45 in Lake County and Illinois 47 in Kane County, among many other projects.
We will continue developing the partnership with our neighbors in Indiana to build the Illiana Expressway, providing another travel option for interstate trucking. The governor’s Elgin-O’Hare West Bypass Advisory Council is identifying financing options to make that project a reality, too.
Our commitment doesn’t end with roads.
Under the Quinn administration, Illinois is at the forefront of expanding fast, efficient passenger rail. We broke ground last fall on the state’s high-speed Chicago-to-St. Louis line and are forging ahead with new statewide routes.
Illinois Jobs Now! also includes $2.7 billion for mass transit improvements. We are working on fresh concepts, such as bus rapid transit, and embracing new ways to accommodate bicycles and pedestrians. More than ever, we are looking beyond the automobile to improve mobility, safety and comfort for all Illinoisans.
We all benefit from infrastructure improvements, which is why this vital infrastructure and jobs program must proceed without delay.
Combating congestion requires a combination of solutions, and we must continue to think creatively about how we utilize our various modes of transportation.
We welcome the challenge and are addressing these issues head-on.
— Gary Hannig, secretary, Illinois Department of Transportation, Springfield
