Work to start on I-57/Tri-State Tollway interchange

[Brandon]

Found this in the Tribune this morning, 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/northnorthwest/ct-met-tollway-interchange-0301-20100301,0,5239078,full.story

"The broken spoke on Chicagoland's highway wheel – the missing interchange between the Tri-State Tollway (Interstate 294) and Interstate 57 – failed to get federal stimulus funding, but that hasn't stopped transportation officials from pushing ahead.

The Illinois Department of Transportation expects construction will begin this summer on the first part of the long-awaited interchange, even though there's not enough money to complete the full project, estimated to cost $570 million."

From what I've seen, it's supposed to be a 3/4 interchange with the last leg covered by I-80 between I-57 and I-294.
http://www.illinoistollway.com/portal/page?_pageid=133,2045125&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

An interchange that should've been built back when I-57 was built. 

[mightyace]

That buoys the hopes of south suburban leaders who for years have pushed for a Tri-State and I-57 interchange. The site near Markham is one of the few places in the United States where interstate highways cross but don't connect.

The reporter obviously hasn't been on the Pennsylvania Turnpike lately! 

[Alps]

Why isn't this being built with toll money (either current or future/backed by bonds)?

[Stephane Dumas]

Finally but when I read the readers comments at the Chicago-Tribune, reacting as "waste money" and all when currently Illinois is in financial trouble...

[Brandon]

Why isn't this being built with toll money (either current or future/backed by bonds)?

It's part IDOT and part ISTHA.  Thus, it will be partially toll money and partially tax money.  Since the Tri-State was there first, the burden is really more on IDOT, IMHO.

[Scott5114]

Finally but when I read the readers comments at the Chicago-Tribune, reacting as "waste money" and all when currently Illinois is in financial trouble...

Rarely are the reader quotes on any news site's highway articles worth reading.

[A.J. Bertin]

This is cool. Just a week ago I was driving on I-294 and passed I-57. Every time I drive on I-294, I am intrigued by the lack of an interchange there.

It makes me wonder...where else in the U.S. does this phenomenon of interstate highways crossing but not connecting occur?

[agentsteel53]

It makes me wonder...where else in the U.S. does this phenomenon of interstate highways crossing but not connecting occur?

there is the famously well-designed junction of I-76 (Penna Turnpike) and I-95, for one...

[mightyace]

It makes me wonder...where else in the U.S. does this phenomenon of interstate highways crossing but not connecting occur?

there is the famously well-designed junction of I-76 (Penna Turnpike) and I-95, for one...

and the Penna Turnpike and

I-79, PA Tpk. 66, US 219, I-99/US 220, I-70 (Breezwood), I-81, PA 283, US 422, I-78 (NE. Ext.), I-81 (NE Ext. between WB-Scr.)

Formerly in this category were:
US 222, I-176

Edit: Added PA Tpk. 66

[Mr_Northside]

and the Penna Turnpike and

I-79, PA Tpk. 66, US 219, I-99/US 220, I-70 (Breezwood), I-81, PA 283, US 422, I-78 (NE. Ext.), I-81 (NE Ext. between WB-Scr.)

For a couple of years now there has been a connector between the PA Turnpike and I-79.
PA Tpk-66 and the mainline never actually cross.

[mightyace]

and the Penna Turnpike and

I-79, PA Tpk. 66, US 219, I-99/US 220, I-70 (Breezwood), I-81, PA 283, US 422, I-78 (NE. Ext.), I-81 (NE Ext. between WB-Scr.)

For a couple of years now there has been a connector between the PA Turnpike and I-79.
PA Tpk-66 and the mainline never actually cross.

I knew about the "Cranberry Connector" but I wasn't sure if it was grade separated between the Turnpike and I-79.  But, by that criteria, we can add I-80 and the NE Ext. as their connection involves a traffic light at PA 940.

On PA 66, oops, my bad.