Illinois Tollway Board approves rate increase, $26.5B capitol program to maintain roads

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Drivers on the Illinois Tollway system will pay higher tolls beginning next year after the Illinois Tollway Board unanimously approved a rate increase and a new $26.5 billion capital program Wednesday.

More than 1.7 million drivers use the tollway system each day, and the agency collects about $1.5 billion annually in toll revenue. Under the approved plan, passenger vehicle drivers will pay an additional 45 cents each time they pass through a toll plaza on top of existing toll rates. Commercial vehicle rates will increase by 30%.

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The Tollway Authority said it sought public input on the proposed rate increase and capital program for two years through online outreach and numerous in-person meetings.

This is the state's largest toll hike.

Some tollway users said the increases will have a noticeable effect on their household budgets.

"I've got three kids in the area that use the tolls quite often. It adds up real quick," Tollway user David Geek said.

"It's gonna be a big impact. I use the tollway every day," Tollway user Fausto Martinez said.

According to the Tollway Authority, the additional revenue will fund a new $26.5 billion capital program focused on maintaining existing roads and building new infrastructure. The agency also said commercial vehicle rates, even after the increase, will remain below the national average.

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Gov. JB Pritzker voiced support for the toll increase and the planned investments.

"Let's be clear, we want to make sure our roads are pothole-free, making sure we can build more so that we can build our economy across the state of Illinois," Pritzker said.

Commercial truck drivers are expected to be among those most affected by the higher rates.

"It's terrible. The world is already expensive," truck driver Mackenzie Hamilton said.

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

The tollway's "Driving Connections" plan calls for investment over 15 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.

Under the plan, toll rates will automatically increase every two years to adjust for the cost of living. The first increase is scheduled to take effect Jan. 1.

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