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Tollway launches info sessions on controversial $4 billion Tri-State redo

Open houses on the Illinois tollway's $4 billion reconstruction of the Central Tri-State tollway run through Thursday at suburban locations.

The agency will present a concept plan to rebuild and widen the 22-mile corridor that stretches from Balmoral Avenue in Rosemont to 95th Street near Oak Lawn.

The project is getting mixed reactions. Some sections of the rebuild near Hinsdale, for example, could include six lanes in each direction compared to the existing four.

Other ideas include flex lanes where Pace express buses could drive on the shoulder in heavy traffic, as well as "managed lanes" that could mean high-occupancy vehicles only or cost more in exchange for an expedited trip.

In March, Hinsdale Village President Thomas Cauley wrote to tollway leaders to object to the project's expansive reach in the village. Cauley said some residents had asked him if the six lanes plus a flex one was "to punish Hinsdale for daring to question the tollway authority's expansion plans."

However, the prospect of new interchanges and improvements to lessen flooding and to fix gridlock have other towns such as Rosemont on board.

The forums run from 6 to 8 p.m. and comprise:

• Today, at the Chicago Marriott Southwest, 1200 Burr Ridge Parkway in Burr Ridge;

• Thursday, April 26, at the Moraine Valley Business and Conference Center, 9000 W. College Parkway, Building M., Palos Hills.

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