Politics & Government

Mathias Named To Route 53 Advisory Council

Group will reach regional consensus on whether to proceed with highway expansion plans.

State Rep. Sid Mathias (R-Buffalo Grove) was recently named as an ex-officio member of the Illinois Route 53 Blue Ribbon Advisory Council that will work to develop a regional consensus on whether to move forward with an Illinois Route 53 corridor project in Lake County.

“This long-awaited project stands to strengthen our economy as well as reduce traffic congestion in areas of Lake County that have been experiencing significant growth in past years,” Mathias said in a prepared statement. “As member of the Tollway Oversight Committee in the Illinois House as well as my many years experience with regional transportation issues, I look forward to building consensus on this project that will improve everyone’s quality of life.” 

The Illinois Tollway Board of Directors announced the creation of the Advisory Council on June 30. The Advisory Council will be responsible for developing regional consensus on whether to move forward, the scope and configuration, the design and elements, and how to finance the project. The Tollway will look to the Advisory Council to recommend a series of best practices for an integrated, multi-modal, 21st century corridor that is financially viable, environmentally sustainable and socially responsible.

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The advisory council includes local elected officials, transportation and planning agencies and a diverse group of environmental, civic, business and labor representatives.

“This is a tremendous group of individuals who have strong experience and have been successful in projects relating to our economy, transportation, infrastructure and our environment,” Mathias said. “I am confident that we will combine experience and resources for the improvement of transportation for the residents of Lake and Cook counties.”

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The Illinois Route 53 Blue Ribbon Advisory Council will be and George Ranney, president and CEO of Metropolis Strategies. The Advisory Council will be asked to present recommendations to the Tollway Board of Directors in one year.

The first meeting will be held from 2-4 p.m. Sept 12 at the Lake County Central Permit Facility, 500 W. Westchester Road, Libertyville.


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