Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Secretary Randy Blackenhorn criticized Illinois’ approach to its transportation system for being too narrowly focused and outdated. According to Blackenhorn, the state has a “transportation system that is not working”, the Chicago Tribune reported.
Blackenhorn who took over as the secretary of IDOT seven months ago said government transportation officials are failing to see the bigger picture of what needs to be done with condition of state roads and bridges.
During a statewide “listening tour”, he said government officials need to follow the lead of private-sector innovators and technology companies and "think about transportation in a completely new and different way.'' A stronger public-private partnership is the key, he said.
Generating public input was another strong recommendation from Blackenhorn to understand how Illinois residents are affected by the state’s outdated infrastructure.
HOV lanes are also not the solution the state’s transportation issues, according to Blackenhorn. Instead, he advised creating express toll lanes on I-290 or I-55, with the amount of toll varying depending on the time of day and traffic congestion.
