Rep Ness and Rep Moeller Secure $17. 5 million for Longmeadow Parkway Bridge

Press Release…

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-Crystal Lake, alongside State Rep. Anna Moeller, D-Elgin successfully secured $17.5 million to go towards the Longmeadow Parkway Bridge, eliminating the need for tolling.

“For too long, District 66 and Northern Kane County have gone under-represented. I’m proud to be able to bring much-needed resources to our district, for both financial relief to the hundreds of thousands of people who will use the new Longmeadow Parkway Bridge, as well as the economic development that will follow as we add another passage across the Fox River.” said Ness.

The Longmeadow Parkway Bridge Corridor spans 5.6 miles and covers Algonquin, Carpentersville, East Dundee and West Dundee. The need for the bridge was first identified in the 1970s to address the needs of an ever-growing population; however, the engineering did not begin until the 1990s. The concept of tolling was developed in 2007 as a means to close the large funding gap that prevented the start of construction.

“I join Rep. Ness in fighting for funding in the state capital bill for fiscal year 2023 that will help Kane County retire the bonds and reduce or eliminate the planned toll. This is an important priority that will create jobs and reduce congestion for all Kane County residents.” said Moeller.

Upon its completion, the Longmeadow Parkway Bridge is expected to relieve congested traffic corridors on Illinois Route 62 and 72, improve overall road safety, as well as increase accessibility to local businesses.

“It is our understanding that because the bridge is not anticipated to be completed until 2024, this is the first installment of funding to ensure that the bridge is funded without the need for tolls. We will continue to work to include additional funding in next year’s budget to cover the entire cost needed to keep the bridge toll-free.”