I-88 interchange could happen soon

Since 1999, progress on a much-desired interchange at the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88) and Eola Road has been glacial.

But now, planners are talking in terms of months, not years.

Illinois State Toll Highway Authority directors Thursday endorsed an agreement with DuPage County and the city of Aurora to build the access point at an estimated cost of $50.8 million.

The tollway will pay $25.4 million for the interchange construction and the county will contribute $19.3 million.

Aurora's share will be $6.1 million to acquire property. Already, the city owns four sites out of 12 needed.

Construction is expected to start next year and possibly earlier.

The project languished for years because of funding and land acquisition problems. The longer it took, the higher the price climbed. Officials estimated the budget has doubled because of escalating construction and property costs.

"I do think the planets seem to be aligned at this point," Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner said.

DuPage will fund its portion through revenue from a recent sales tax increase granted as part of a public transit bailout.

One thing that will help expedite construction is that design work has already been done, DuPage Chairman Robert Schillerstrom said.

The new interchange is located between the busy Farnsworth Avenue and Route 59 exits close to growing communities and job centers. The Route 59 interchange in Naperville, despite recent upgrades, gets backed up because so many vehicles use it.

"This will alleviate congestion," Schillerstrom said.

The project allows for a full interchange with a toll component, agency spokeswoman Joelle McGinnis said.

The agency expects to recoup its $25 million investment in 10 years.

Public hearings on the construction will be scheduled in the near future.