The Illiana Expressway has receiveda green light from federal officials. The 47-mile expressway now moves from the planning phase to implementation.
That means Illinois and Indiana officials can look for public-private partnerships to help build and operate the $1.5 billion project.
Land acquisition efforts, including landowner relations and local planning activities, also can continue.
Drivers eventually will have an east-west link between I-65 near Lowell, Ind., and I-55 near Wilmington, Ill. The expressway is expected to relieve traffic on I-80 south of Chicago.
Supporters also say the project will create much-needed jobs. Opponents of the Illiana Expressway have sued to stop construction. They say it’s not necessary, and taxpayers could be stuck paying for it if toll revenue falls short.