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OOIDA Call to Action - Illinois Members
September 17, 2004
Heads up, Illinois truckers! Gov. Rod Blagojevich has proposed nearly quadrupling the tolls truckers pay on the Illinois Tollway.
Public hearings on the proposal are scheduled for the evenings of Friday, Sept. 17, Monday, Sept. 20, and Tuesday, Sept. 21. If you have an opportunity, you can share your concerns on the proposed toll increase by attending one of the public meetings, sending comments online or by mail to the Tollway, as well as forwarding a copy of your comments to Gov. Blagojevich and your state legislators.
Under the governor's plan, the current cost for a five-axle tractor-trailer would rise from $1.25 to $4 at most of the current toll plazas. Trucks traveling through toll plazas during off-peak hours - between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. - would pay $3, nearly triple the current rate.
For example: A trucker running the full length of the Tri-State Tollway, which runs through the Chicago metro area, now pays $7.40 over five toll plazas. Under the governor's proposal, that toll would increase to $23.50.
Cars would pay 80 cents, double their current 40-cent toll. However, car drivers who use the I-Pass system would continue to pay the current toll of 40 cents. Truckers would not be offered a similar discount for I-Pass use.
The governor's office said the money would pay for road improvements.
If the Tollway Board approves the new toll rates, construction under the plan could begin late this year. Under that schedule, the new rates would take effect Jan. 1, 2005.
Truckers can find more information on Gov. Blagojevich's Tollway plan at www.Illinoistollway.com. On the left side of the page, under the list of links titled "Agency Links," click on "Long-Range Plan." When that pages loads, click on the tab at the top that says "Financials"; that page contains a list of links, including a list of toll rates by plaza.
The public hearings are scheduled for Sept. 17, 20 and 21 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the following locations:
Friday, Sept. 17
Lee County
Quality Inn,
154 Plaza Dr.,
DixonFriday, Sept. 17
Whiteside County
Sterling Municipal Bldg.-Council Chambers,
212 Third Ave.,
SterlingFriday, Sept. 17
Ogle County
Comfort Inn & Suites,
1122 N. Seventh St.,
RochelleMonday, Sept. 20
Boone County
Community Building,
111 W 1st St,
BelvidereMonday, Sept. 20
Winnebago County
Clock Tower Resort,
7801 E State St,
RockfordMonday, Sept. 20
DeKalb County
NIU - Convocation Center,
1525 W. Lincoln Highway,
DeKalbTuesday, Sept. 21
Lake County
Crowne Plaza - Chicago North Shore,
510 E Route 83,
MundeleinTuesday, Sept. 21
McHenry County
D'Andrea Banquets & Conference,
4419 Northwest Highway,
Crystal Lake
Truckers may share their comments to the Tollway online by visiting http://www.illinoistollway.com/portal/page?_pageid=53,64458,53_64499&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL. To send your comments by mail, write to: Long-Range Plan Comments, Illinois Tollway, 2700 Ogden Ave., Downers Grove, IL 60515, Attn: T. Steinhauser.
For additional information, contact Michelle Damico with the Illinois Tollway at (630) 241-6800, ext. 2387.
Forward a copy of your comments for Gov. Rod Blagojevich by e-mail to governor@state.il.us; phone (217) 782-0244; or write to: Office of the Governor, 207 State House, Springfield, IL 62706.
For your senator's contact information, visit www.legis.state.il.us/senate/default.asp. For your representative's information, visit www.legis.state.il.us/house/default.asp. You may also call OOIDA's Membership department at 1-800-444-5791 and they'll look it up.
Points that should be stressed in your comments:
- An increase of more than 300 percent in one fell swoop is outrageous and irresponsible no matter how you look at it.
- The increased tolls may not net the tollway any additional revenues if large numbers of trucks find alternate routes to run.
- Residents along those alternate routes are likely to complain about the increased traffic.
- This is an idea that should not be rushed through with only the token public meetings that have been held so far