Proposed Illinois toll increase to support road improvements draws concerns ahead of public hearings

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. (WLS) -- The first of 13 public hearings on proposed Illinois Tollway rate increases is scheduled for Monday evening, giving residents and stakeholders an opportunity to provide feedback on a plan the Tollway says is needed to fund a 15-year, $26.5 billion infrastructure program.

According to the Illinois Tollway, the proposed rate increases would help pay for road and traffic improvements across the Chicago area. Under the proposal, passenger toll rates for I-PASS users would increase by roughly 45 cents per toll, while toll rates for commercial vehicles would rise by about 30%.

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The proposal has drawn criticism from some drivers and members of the trucking industry, who say the increases would create additional financial burdens.

"It's a disappointment. It's a disappointment," driver Nancy Rankin said.

Another driver, Chuck Stangl, expressed concern about the effect on regular commuters.

"I think if a person uses the Tollway that much, they're going to be finding a new way to work," Stangl said.

The Illinois Tollway says the average passenger toll would increase from about 7 cents per mile to 11 cents per mile. The agency notes that the proposed rate would remain below the national average of 16 cents per mile.

For commercial drivers, the impact would be more significant. Edward Burris, a self-employed truck owner and operator, said he currently spends about $300 a week on tolls while driving through Chicago and the surrounding area. Under the proposed commercial vehicle rate increase, that cost would rise to nearly $400 per week.

"Right now running through Chicago, and the Chicago area, I'm spending weekly $300 in tolls," Burris said. "It's not helpful, with the gas prices, and with the tolls. It's hard. It's hard being an owner right now."

Industry representatives also warned that higher toll costs could affect consumers.

"We transport 95% of the manufactured freight in the state. That's 95% of everything you eat, everything you wear, everything you buy at a store goes on a truck," said Matthew Hart, executive director of the Illinois Trucking Association.

Hart said increased costs for trucking companies would eventually be passed along through the supply chain.

"If you make it more expensive for us to get your goods to get the grocery store, you make it more expensive for us to get your building material to your project. Yeah, it's going to affect you. It's going to affect your pocketbook," Hart said.

Public hearings are set to take place at the below times and locations:

- 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday at Greenbelt Cultural Center - Banquet Hall, 1215 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, 60064

- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at Roosevelt University Schaumburg - Zurich Alumni Hall, 1400 N. Roosevelt Blvd., Schaumburg,60173

- 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Huntley Park District Rec Center - Theatre, 12015 Mill St., Huntley, 60142

- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at College of DuPage - Student Resource Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, 60137

- 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at Markham Park District - Roesner Multipurpose Room, 16053 Richmond Ave, Markham, 60428

- 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Loveland Community House & Museum - Dining Room, 513 West Second St., Dixon, 61021

- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 20 at Northern Illinois University - Barsema Alumni Hall Ballroom, 231 N Annie Glidden Road, DeKalb, 60115

- 6 to 8 p.m. July 20 at Rock Valley Community College - Stenstrom Student Center, 3301 N Mulford Rd., Rockford, 61114

- 11 to 1 p.m. July 21 at Rock Falls Community Building, 601 W 10th St, Rock Falls, 61071

- 6 to 8 p.m. July 21 at Lewis University - Flight Deck Building, 101 Airport Road, Romeoville, 60445

- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 22 at Prisco Community Center, 150 W Illinois Ave., Aurora, 60506

- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 23 at Luna Rochelle, 531 South 7thSt., Rochelle, 61068

- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 24 at Boone County Museum of History - Grand Gallery, 314 S State St., Belvidere, 61008