NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. (WLS) — People are weighing in on a proposed toll hike that would be the largest ever for the Illinois Tollway.<\/p>\n
Monday was the first of 13 public hearings the tollway is holding to get feedback on the plan. Many people who spoke at the meeting supported the proposal.<\/p>\n
They said the investment could improve safety, create jobs and help upgrade roads across the state.<\/p>\n
The tollway’s “Driving Connections” plan, calls for $26.5 billion in investment over 15 years.<\/p>\n
if approved, tolls would go up starting January 1, with additional increases built in every two years. The tollway says the extra money is needed for major infrastructure upgrades.<\/p>\n
But some drivers and truckers tell us, the timing is tough because of rising gas and oil prices.<\/p>\n
“It’s a disappointment,” driver Nancy Rankin said.<\/p>\n
“I think if a person uses the tollway that much, they’re going to be finding a new way to work,” driver Chuck Stangl said.<\/p>\n
“We just really reap the benefits of all the improvements that have taken place up to this point and we really look forward to the continued progress that the program will afford our community and others,”Levoda Walker said.<\/p>\n
Under the proposal, the average passenger toll will go up from an average of 7 cents per-mile, to 11 cents pe- mile, which the Illinois Tollway points out is less than the national average of 16 cents per-mile.<\/p>\n
Tuesday’s first hearing is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Roosevelt University in Schaumburg. There’s also one from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Huntley Park District Rec Center.<\/p>\n
Hearings last for the next 10 days, and people can also submit comments online by noon on August 3.<\/p>\n
Public hearings are set to take place at the below times and locations:<\/p>\n
– 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at Roosevelt University Schaumburg – Zurich Alumni Hall, 1400 N. Roosevelt Blvd., Schaumburg,60173<\/p>\n
– 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Huntley Park District Rec Center – Theatre, 12015 Mill St., Huntley, 60142<\/p>\n
– 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at College of DuPage – Student Resource Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, 60137<\/p>\n
– 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at Markham Park District – Roesner Multipurpose Room, 16053 Richmond Ave, Markham, 60428<\/p>\n
– 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Loveland Community House & Museum – Dining Room, 513 West Second St., Dixon, 61021<\/p>\n
– 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 20 at Northern Illinois University – Barsema Alumni Hall Ballroom, 231 N Annie Glidden Road, DeKalb, 60115<\/p>\n
– 6 to 8 p.m. July 20 at Rock Valley Community College – Stenstrom Student Center, 3301 N Mulford Rd., Rockford, 61114<\/p>\n
– 11 to 1 p.m. July 21 at Rock Falls Community Building, 601 W 10th St, Rock Falls, 61071<\/p>\n
– 6 to 8 p.m. July 21 at Lewis University – Flight Deck Building, 101 Airport Road, Romeoville, 60445<\/p>\n
– 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 22 at Prisco Community Center, 150 W Illinois Ave., Aurora, 60506<\/p>\n
– 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 23 at Luna Rochelle, 531 South 7thSt., Rochelle, 61068<\/p>\n
– 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 24 at Boone County Museum of History – Grand Gallery, 314 S State St., Belvidere, 61008<\/p>\n
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