ILLINOIS HIGHWAY IDEA DESERVES FULL STUDY

For a long time there has been considerable interest in a four-lane highway between Cape Girardeau and Paducah, possibly even an interstate route that could link I-55 with I-24 and I-57. Most of the interest, however, has been at either end of the proposed route in Missouri and Kentucky. Illinois officials, at least, have consistently given the idea a very low priority or no priority at all, citing financial considerations and the fact that Illinois is spending virtually every available highway dollar on maintenance and has nothing left over for construction.

Recently, at a meeting in Ullin, Ill., there was fairly strong support for a major highway across the southern tip of Illinois. The group gave its support to a feasibility study, which the Illinois Department of Transportation says it doesnt have the funds to conduct. Despite the support, there was no indication where the funds might come from, which leaves the idea of the study up in the air. One of the reasons Illinois state officials have little interest in the highway project is that Southern Illinois is sparsely populated, which means there isnt much political clout. Another reason is the fact that national forests cover much of Southern Illinois, and most everyone involved, either for or against a highway, realizes this would be a major obstacle to overcome.

At the same time, there is some understanding that Southern Illinois, and not just Missouri and Kentucky, could benefit from a major east-west highway. At the recent meeting, an official with the Illinois Department of Employment Security suggested the highway has potential for economic development.

Although spending $250,000 to $300,000 for a study seems like a lot of money, the fact is the project isnt likely to go anywhere without a study in hand. Kentucky already has done a study on its portion of a larger highway project that possibly would include a portion across Southern Illinois, and Missouri is getting ready to do a study.

It isnt known yet what it will take to get Illinois officials involved, but requests from folks in Southern Illinois who see a need for the study should be heeded. Perhaps if they concentrate on the local benefits of an east-west highway that would enhance the exiting north-south I-57, highway officials might be more receptive. It is a long shot, but it is one worth taking if there is enough support from the communities that would benefit the most.