New fourth lane on I-294 could be HOT one

The authority is trying to work out a plan with Pace, the bus line that covers the surrounding counties of Chicago, that would convert the inside lane for express buses and carpools. Single riders could ride the high-occupancy toll (HOT) option, but at a price. The Illinois Tollway and Pace are currently seeking $200 million in federal stimulus money to spring the move into action. If they get approval, the lane could be active by 2012.

The HOT lane would not run the entire length of I-294. According to the Illinois Tollway, it would start at the southern end of the tri-state at the Chicago Southland Oasis in South Holland and extend 35 miles to the Rosemont/O’Hare area. The goal is to carry job-hungry passengers from the economically depressed south suburbs to the west/northwest suburbs.

The stimulus funds will go toward the construction and improvement of parking lots, express lanes and ramps, as well as equipment. Pace plans on using 52 new buses that will run on natural gas to service the route.