Illiana Expressway Plan Halted

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The $1.5 billion Illiana Expressway project has hit a major hurdle. Our partners at The Times of Northwest Indiana report new Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner has put a halt to all major interstate projects in order to review their costs and benefits. Last year, the Federal Highway Administration approved the 47-mile stretch that would connect Interstate 55 with Interstate 65. Indiana and Illinois signed a public-private development agreement in May for the planned expressway. It outlined each state's responsibilities, management duties and project delivery requirements.

At the time, Indiana Department of Transportation Commissioner Karl Browing said the project would give travelers “much-needed roadway infrastructure” and boost the economy in both states.

The overall cost of Indiana's section has been pegged at about $300 million.

Studies and planning for the route have been ongoing for several years.

Sources: The Times of Northwest Indiana, Inside INdiana Business