Transportation coalition urges federal infusion for roads

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Updated: January 29, 2012 8:10AM

SPRINGFIELD — The Transportation for Illinois Coalition is asking Congress to deliver a $500 billion, six-year transportation package early next year.

According to a recently released coalition study, Illinois’ state roads are wearing out faster than they are being repaired, putting the state in position to reap much-needed benefits if the coalition’s wish is granted.

One mile out of four in the state will be in unacceptable condition by 2017, according to the study. More than 2,200 bridges — out of more than 26,300 in the state — are structurally deficient, the report said.

The report said that the transit system in northeast Illinois should be upgraded and modernized — to the tune of about $400 million.

Road projects need to be planned and engineered in advance but can’t sit on a shelf too long or they will need to be updated, said Linda Wheeler, author of the report.

“We need stability and predictability,” she said.

That means a well-funded multiyear plan that all states can count on, she said.

The transportation coalition was formed about 10 years ago, when a previous federal highway bill was coming to an end and Illinoisans were concerned about getting more funding in the next bill, Wheeler said.

The coalition is composed of state and regional chambers of commerce, organized labor groups, engineering firms, concrete and asphalt associations and building and construction trade councils.

The interstate system is the “workhorse” of Illinois’ highway system, carrying more than 30 percent of all traffic in the state, and 53 percent of truck traffic, Wheeler wrote in the report.

The coalition is trying to make Congress realize the urgency of acting on such a funding bill.

Deferring timely repairs can triple the cost of the work, according to the coalition report.