Gov. Bruce Rauner is asking the Illinois Legislature to allow work to start on Interstate 55 in the Chicago area via a public-private partnership.
Rauner, the state transportation secretary and Republican House Leader Jim Durkin made the push at a news conference. They said the Illinois Legislature needs to pass a resolution supporting the project by the end of the month. Rauner wants the state to be able to partner with private investors to add a toll express lane in both directions of Interstate 55 between Interstate 355 and Interstate 90/94 in Chicago's southern suburbs.
Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan said he's still waiting for more information on the project from the state transportation department. Madigan said that includes a plan explaining costs and anticipated tolls.
