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Illinois Drivers Want Roads Repaired, But Who Pays For It?

After a harsh winter, potholes are an increasing problem along Illinois roadways.  Collisions can cause damage to cars such as flat tires or misalignment. Even steering around them can lead to erratic driving. AAA spokeswoman Beth Mosher says a recent survey shows there’s a consensus on the impact of these road hazards. 

“The majority of Illinois drivers don’t think that our roads and bridges are well-funded but they don’t want to pay for the additional funding that’s likely needed to maintain and build better roads,” she said.

Mosher says lawmakers already have several plans to alleviate the state’s road problems, but they can’t be put into action unless state government finds new sources of funding.

Gas prices are also expected to slowly rise this season. Average state gas prices rose by about ten cents this week, and Mosher says drivers should expect this trend until summer.

“Refineries are in a season where they’re preparing for a summer blend of gasoline," she said. "So there’s a lot of maintenance that happens. Which is then pushing prices at the pump higher."

Mosher emphasizes that this is a seasonal trend, and that no particular economic event is raising gas prices beyond what is expected.

Copyright 2021 WNIJ Northern Public Radio. To see more, visit WNIJ Northern Public Radio.

Chase started in radio while earning his Master's in diplomacy and international commerce at the University of Kentucky. He was bitten by the radio bug while volunteering at Radio Eye (a local equivalent to NIRIS) and soon became a reporter at WUKY. After four years of reporting in Kentucky's Bluegrass, Chase traveled north to join WNIJ as Morning Edition producer. He organizes our morning broadcast, making sure the host is well-supplied with interesting, fresh content. In addition to his pre-dawn duties, Chase reports on a variety of developments in our broadcast area but is particularly drawn to anything with a political or international connection. He is also an avid board gamer.