Tollway Hearing Tonight in Huntley

The Illinois Tollway is seeking input on a plan that would increase the cost of tolls and McHenry County residents get to have their say this week.

One of 12 public hearings across the state is being held in Huntley Friday. The meeting is scheduled from 7-9 p.m. at Huntley Village Hall,10987 Main Street.

The tollway authority is proposing a $12 billion capital plan that would be funded by rate hikes for motorists.

Tolls would increase by 35 cents at a typical mainline toll plaza. Revenue from the increase would fund capital improvements through 2026. The plan includes:

     * Reconstructing and widening Interstate 90 from Interstate 294 to Rockford.

    * Reconstructing more than 20 miles of the central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) and the Edens Spur (I-94)

    * Preserving the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88)

    * Preserving the Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355)

    * Repairing roads, bridges and maintenance facilities

    * Other capital projects, including local interchanges

Cash-paying motorists currently pay double the tolls of I-PASS users. Their rates would go up and they would continue to pay double.

The tollway is presenting details of the plan in a series of public hearings this month. Also the Tollway is seeking feedback on its website.

Here is a list of the planned public hearings remaining:

Friday, Aug. 19, 7-9 p.m.

• McHenry County - Village of Huntley, 10987 Main Street, Huntley
• Boone County - Community Building, 111 W. 1st Street, Belvidere
• DeKalb County - NIU-Convocation Center, 1525 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb
• Lake County - Libertyville Civic Center, 135 W. Church Street, Libertyville

Monday, Aug. 22, 7-9 p.m.

• Lee County - Comfort Inn, 154 Plaza Drive, Dixon
• Ogle County - Comfort Inn & Suites, 1122 N. Seventh Street, Rochelle
• Whiteside County - Sterling Municipal Building, 212 3rd Avenue, Sterling
• Winnebago County - Clock Tower Resort, 7801 E. State Street, Rockford