A resolution proposed by Illinois legislators would allow Congress to pass a law authorizing the conversion of federally funded highways, particularly the Dun Ryan highway, into toll roads to stop gun violence. It is a content that encourages.
Measures, HR 0016, The bill was introduced by Rep. Thaddeus Jones in January and is expected to be introduced before a House committee this week.
According to the text of the bill, lawmakers understand that the Interstate Act prohibits the conversion of federally funded highways into state toll roads without Congressional approval.
In the past, Congress has authorized tolls on some interstate highways to improve roads, and Illinois already has several tolls, including the Jane Adams, Veterans Memorial Toll Road, and Tristate Toll Road. There is a toll road.
The bill asks lawmakers to create toll roads to deter shootings on Chicago-area highways instead of asking for money to improve roads.
The resolution cited a 2021 NBC 5 Investigates report on the rising number of highway shootings on regional roads. In the first nine months of 2021, there were a total of 185 freeway shootings in the Chicago area, more than double the number from the previous year and a 45% increase from the 128 shootings in 2020 as a whole.
“The state’s toll system could make it more difficult for these opportunistic shootings to occur and help reduce violence,” lawmakers said.
Recent data points to another trend. According to the Illinois State Police, The number of highway shootings in 2022 fell by 47%, largely thanks to new technology and increased enforcement. Highway homicides fell by 88%.
“Following an unprecedented number of highway shootings in the Chicago area in 2021, the Illinois State Police will mobilize resources across the agency, including officers, air operations, forensic services, and criminal investigation special agents. and almost reduced the number of highway shootings in 2022 year-over-year, by half,” ISP director Brendan Kelly said in a press release.
Officials said there were 140 shootings in 2022, with 60 injuries and three deaths. More than 1,500 arrests were made, the number of traffic stops increased to more than 25,000, and 342 illegal weapons were recovered in those stops.
The Dan Ryan Expressway begins at the Jane Burn Interchange and continues south for over 11 miles. Most of Dunryan Street through the city is joined by Interstates 90 and 94, but Interstate 94 splits into the Skyway near He 63rd Street.
Interstate 94 goes south and southeast near 95th Street to become the Bishop Ford Freeway. Interstate 57 also begins at that location and heads southwest.