Illinois Tollway board to vote on toll increases

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Illinois Tollway directors meet this morning with a major vote on the agenda.

The board is expected to approve a 15-year, $26. billion plan to rebuild and improve the tollways.

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But drivers could pay more. Proposed increases would add 45 cents for cars starting in 2027, with commercial tolls rising 30 percent.

This would be the state's largest toll hike, if approved.

Tollway leaders held a series of public meetings leading up to Wednesday's vote, which has garnered mixed reaction.

People who support the proposal say the investment could improve safety, create jobs, and help upgrade roads across the state.

The tollway's "Driving Connections" plan, calls for $26.5 billion in investment over 15 years.

Tolls would increase starting January 1, with additional increases built in every two years.

Under the proposal, the average passenger toll will go up from an average of 7 cents per-mile, to 11 cents per-mile.

The Illinois Tollway points out the rate is less than the national average of 16 cents per-mile.

While it will be more expensive for daily commuters and travelers, the impact to the trucking industry is significantly more costly

The last time the agency approved raising tolls was back in 2011, a controversial action then that nearly doubled costs for drivers.