New fourth lane on I-294 could be HOT one

Sept. 3, 2009
The newly constructed fourth lane along I-294 of the Illinois Tollway may not be for everybody.

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 newly constructed fourth lane along I-294 of the Illinois Tollway may not be for everybody.

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.

Sponsored Recommendations

The Science Behind Sustainable Concrete Sealing Solutions

Extend the lifespan and durability of any concrete. PoreShield is a USDA BioPreferred product and is approved for residential, commercial, and industrial use. It works great above...

Proven Concrete Protection That’s Safe & Sustainable

Real-life DOT field tests and university researchers have found that PoreShieldTM lasts for 10+ years and extends the life of concrete.

Revolutionizing Concrete Protection - A Sustainable Solution for Lasting Durability

The concrete at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center is subject to several potential sources of damage including livestock biowaste, food/beverage waste, and freeze/thaw...

The Future of Concrete Preservation

PoreShield is a cost-effective, nontoxic alternative to traditional concrete sealers. It works differently, absorbing deep into the concrete pores to block damage from salt ions...