Will Chicago Back Congestion-Pricing Plans?

Jon Hilkevitch details CMAP's plans for easing brutal rush hour commutes along key arteries such as the Stevenson Expressway (I-55), Eisenhower Expressway (I-290), and the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) by implementing a congestion-pricing plan on "new highway lanes planned on six major existing and future roadways across the six-county area."

"In the proposal, the amount would be 5 cents to 31 cents per mile during rush hours, depending on the specific roadway," says Hilkevitch, and "would generate an estimated $74 million annually in gross revenue, according to CMAP."

"Officials at the agency said the money could be used to help fund capacity-expansion projects and improvements to mass transit....CMAP has made congestion pricing a top priority in its 'Go to 2040' blueprint for improving infrastructure and the quality of life in northeastern Illinois."