Sierra Club, Illinois Chapter supports residents and organizations whose aim is to protect the rich natural resources of central Lake County from the negative impacts of the costly $2.65 billion extension of Rt. 53/120. In July of 2019, we saw an exciting development in the campaign as the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority — the state agency spearheading the project — rescinded authorization on the controversial Environmental Impact Statement associated with the road, effectively pulling the plug on the project.
After fighting this road for over 50 years, Lake County residents want to ensure that this most recent victory will mark the end of the project once and for all. The 12-mile corridor that has been allocated for the tollway should be converted into protected open-space and wetland areas, free from commercial and infrastructural development. For more information, contact organizer Sam Beard.