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Rauner proposes public-private partnership to manage I-55 lanes

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner says he wants to add lanes to part of I-55. But those individual lanes may be toll roads - with the fees changing based on how much traffic there is.

Jim Durkin lives in the southwest suburbs.

He often has to get downtown - and he says I-55 backs up a lot.

“I take Ogden Avenue. You wanna follow me into the city? I know all the routes. I’ve been doing this for years,” Durkin said.

Durkin’s I-55 commute is sometimes to downtown - but also - sometimes - to Springfield.

He’s the House Republican Leader. Durkin is supporting the governor’s call to add lanes to part of I-55.

But those individual lanes may be toll roads - with the fees changing based on how much traffic there is.

The governor says he’d want a public-private partnership to manage those lanes. If it works on I-55 - then maybe it’d also work for other highways, but first, the plan would need approval from state lawmakers.