Quinn Signs Bill That Could Alleviate I-55/Weber Congestion

It's known as one of the most heavily congested areas in Chicagoland — but there could be some help on the way for the Weber Road and I-55 interchange.

Gov. Pat Quinn on Monday signed legislation that could remove one of the final obstacles holding back a project that could alleviate traffic woes at the interchange. 

A law passed seven years ago designed 200 acres of land in Crest Hill as surplus state property and reallocated it for sale. The estimated $30 million in proceeds from the sale were to be used to improve the Weber and I-55 interchange — but the land remains unsold.

The new law, sponsored by Sen. Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (D-Shorewood) and Rep. Natalie Manley (D-Joliet), will allow IDOT to proceed with the project even though the land has not been sold.

“I am grateful that the governor understands the importance of this construction project and our need to move forward, independent of whether the land is ever purchased,” Bertino-Tarrant said in a press release issued Wednesday.

According to Will County, an estimated 31,700 vehicles travel along Weber north of the interchange every day. IDOT estimates that on a daily basis, more than 107,000 vehicles travel on I-55 south of the interchange and 133,700 travel I-55 north toward the I-355 entrance.

“Will County is one of the fastest growing areas in the entire nation,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “It is imperative that this roadway can handle our increased traffic and that residents and commuters are able to travel safely. This road project will accomplish that.”