HR1022 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1022 LRB093 15184 KEF 51774 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The extension of Interstate 355 was approved by the General Assembly in 1993; and

WHEREAS, 99% of the land required to build the extension has been acquired, and 98% of the utilities have been relocated; and

WHEREAS, The extension of I-355 will serve Will County, which is one of the fastest growing counties in Illinois; growth projections over the next 20 years for the county include 400,000 more residents and double the number of jobs; and

WHEREAS, Without major improvements to the transportation system serving Will County, travel times are expected to increase by up to 50 percent; and

WHEREAS, Interstate 294 serves local, regional, and interstate traffic and is a vital link in the transportation network for the Chicago Metropolitan Area and Northwest Indiana; and

WHEREAS, The widening of I-294 is compatible with the adjacent Illinois and Indiana Department of Transportation widening and reconstruction projects from I-94/IL 394 to U.S. Route 41 in Indiana; and

WHEREAS, Traffic volumes along I-294 have continued to increase, with the interstate carrying 615,000 vehicles daily, accounting for 46% of the total number of vehicles on the tollway system; and

WHEREAS, Traffic growth along I-294 is expected to continue due to the anticipated growth in population, influx of new business, and the development associated with the proposed South Suburban Airport; and

WHEREAS, The traffic congestion in Lake County continues to be of great concern to many of its residents and local government officials; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that Interstate 294 should be widened to the specifications put forth by the Illinois Toll Highway Authority, that Interstate 355 should be extended to Interstate 80, as also specified by the Illinois Toll Highway Authority, and that the Illinois Toll Highway Authority should continue to work with Lake County to develop a stronger consensus regarding their transportation needs, including the construction and funding of the north extension of Route 53.