The state had previously planned to develop a P3 scheme to expand the I-55 to add managed toll lanes to a section of the route, between the Dan Ryan Expressway and the I-355.
That plan was shelved when the Covid-19 pandemic hit and traffic fell dramatically. However, with traffic now returning, the Illinois legislature is supporting the state department of transportation (IDOT) to return to the plan.
The House resolution states that “we support the ‘I-55 Managed Lane Project’ and IDOT's efforts to pursue the project as a P3”.
It adds: “IDOT is evaluating alternative project delivery opportunities, such as a public-private partnership or P3, to involve industry and best leverage resources for this project; using the P3 method, IDOT can deliver an I-55 project that is the safest, most efficient, and most cost-effective.”