JOLIET, Ill. (AP) — Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner says state and local governments are partnering with a private company to relieve traffic congestion and provide easier access to a major commercial transport hub near Joliet.
Rauner announced the agreement Monday at CenterPoint Intermodal, a rail and truck freight transport center near Interstates 80 and 55. It’s considered the nation’s largest inland port.
Under the agreement, Illinois will spend $21 million to improve the Houbolt Road exit off Interstate 80.
CenterPoint will spend about $170 million to build a toll bridge over the Des Plaines River and extend Houbolt Road south to the facility.
Will County must pass a resolution allowing the company to collect the tolls.
Construction could begin as early as 2017 and the bridge could open to traffic in late 2018.