Judge won’t halt toll hike

A Cook County judge on Tuesday tossed out a lawsuit seeking to halt the Illinois tollway’s Jan. 1 rate hike.

Taxpayers United of America sued the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority in September in hopes it could stymie

increases of 35 cents to 45 cents at toll plazas in 2012. “There’s no justice in that court,” Taxpayers United President Jim Tobin said. “We weren’t disappointed,” he added, explaining the organization will appeal.

The lawsuit asked the court to undo the toll increase, stating that the agency has violated state law by failing to convert the tollways into freeways after construction loans were paid off and to plan for its own demise.

Authority leaders contend the increase is necessary for a $12 billion construction program to repair existing tollways and build new roads, lanes and interchanges.

“We’re very pleased with Judge (Rita) Novak’s decision to dismiss this complaint against the tollway,” spokeswoman Wendy Abrams said.

“The tollway followed all applicable laws as outlined in the Toll Highway Act.”