1990 study skeptical of Illiana-like expressway

The Interstate 94 Congestion Relief Study considered several options including construction of an east-west suburban expressway, removing the tolls from the Skyway and Indiana Toll Road, and expanding the Borman to either eight or 10 lanes. In 1991, the Borman contained six lanes.

The study was financed by a $500,000 grant secured by U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar. It was conducted by Edward Regan, of Wilbur Smith Associates.

The study said the congestion relief effects of a suburban expressway would be minimal due to the fact that half of the traffic on the Borman was local, originating between I-394 in Illinois and I-65 in Indiana.

The study predicted that nearly 20,000 vehicles would be diverted away from the Borman and Kingery expressways on a daily basis.

The study considered making both the Borman and south suburban toll roads. It concluded that neither option was advisable.