Route approval sought for new highway near Chicago

LOWELL, Ind. (AP) — Indiana and Illinois officials are asking for federal approval of a proposed route for a highway linking Interstate 65 in northwestern Indiana and Interstate 55 in Illinois.

The Illiana Expressway route picked by the state highway agencies goes from I-65 just north of Lowell and mostly directly west to I-55 near Wilmington, Ill., skirting the southern side the proposed airport site near Peotone, Ill.

Indiana Department of Transportation spokesman Jim Pinkerton tells The Times of Munster that federal agencies might make a decision on the route as soon as the end of this year. He says work on a more detailed engineering and finance study would start if the route is approved.

Lowell Town Councilman Craig Earley says many residents don't believe a new highway would benefit the area.