Tollway turns sights on Elgin-O'Hare, Crosstown

With the extension of I-355 through Will County completed, Illinois State Toll Highway Authority leaders are setting their sights on other ambitious goals.

Tollway board members today approved a resolution directing their staff to study and prioritize new road projects across the region.

The ideas include finishing the Elgin-O'Hare Expressway, expanding Route 53 north, building the Crosstown Expressway linking Chicago's north and south sides, and taking on the Prairie Parkway, connecting the Reagan Tollway with I-80.

"We're putting the structure in place to look at these projects," tollway Executive Director Brian McPartlin said. "The intent is to commit to a planning process that addresses the needs of our system."

Asked what improvements would take precedence, tollway board Chairman John Mitola said "I don't know what will shift to the top of the list."

Tollway officials stressed plans are still very preliminary at this stage.