IDOT Considers Adding Toll Lanes to Decongest Stevenson Expressway

Chicago, IL - Gov. Bruce Rauner would like to add paid lanes to the Stevenson Expressway to reduce traffic along its busiest 25-mile span between the Veterans Memorial Tollway and the Dan Ryan Expressway.

Rauner asked legislators for approval for the Illinois Department of Transportation to look for a public-private partnership to add one or two toll lanes in each direction on Interstate 55, according to CBS Chicago.

Carpool lanes are another possibility.

Existing lanes on the Stevenson would remain free to use, Chicago Sun-Times reports, but Rauner and his office are considering a pricing structure that would allow for flexible tolling based on demand.

Cities already using paid lanes include San Diego, Houston, Denver and others, the Daily Herald reports.

Rauner said he wants construction to start in 2017.