The seemingly rapidly moving Illiana Expressway has hit a roadblock that may require more than just a bulldozer to move.
The state agency that reviews and recommends federal transportation projects stated that the projected $1.25-billion construction price tag for the 47-mile Illiana may be significantly underestimated.
The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning also is questioning the expressway's southern location saying its construction would lead to more urban sprawl.
The organization's issues have raised speculation that the expressway could be killed. For the project to continue moving forward, CMAP's positive recommendation is needed. A decision likely will come this October.
"This [report] is a serious matter," said Mike Van Mill, Kankakee County planner and executive director/president of the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County. "We have to pay close attention to this. This jeopardizes the project. This is a big concern."
CMAP, in a 19-page review of the Illinois Department of Transportation's Illiana report, stated per-mile construction would be closer to the $18.
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