Midwest States Studying Truck-Only Interstate Lanes

Illinois is one of four states studying a proposal to create separate lanes for commercial trucks traveling along 800 miles of Interstate 70.

Officials from Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri have signed a development agreement that includes using $5 million in federal funds to study what would be the nation’s first truck-only interstate corridor.

Federal officials have designated the busy stretch of road as a “Corridor of the Future,” making the states eligible for assistance.

Supporters say the plan originally submitted to U.S. transportation officials in 2007 would increase safety and decrease traffic congestion.

Truckers say they’re wary that a multibillion-dollar project to create truck lanes could be funded through tolls.

Information from: The Plain Dealer, www.cleveland.com