Illiana support 'unprecedented'

EXCLUSIVE: The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has refuted new opposition claims about the Illiana Expressway P3 and reinforced that legislative support for the deal remains strong.

Following further claims against the creation of the multi-billion dollar bi-state highway, made last week by Paul Fisher, a former supporter and ex-CEO of key industrial real estate firm CentrePoint, IDOT told P3 Bulletin that the project will be going ahead as planned, with support remaining particularly strong at government level.

"The Illiana Expressway enjoys the support of two governors, legislatures in two states and the widespread backing from a diverse group of stakeholders in transportation, business, government and regional planning," said an IDOT spokesperson.

"This level of support is unprecedented for a project in Illinois and as strong as ever. The Illiana will improve transportation throughout the region and create jobs in an important part of the state."

Last week, Fisher questioned the route changes to the plans and said that the original proposals had been lost, arguing that the cost to the taxpayer means the project would not serve its purpose of reducing traffic congestion in the area. Similar concerns have already been raised by members of two key Chicago planning organisations, although ultimately they chose to back the plans.

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