Author: Mary (Craighead) Tyler

Mary Tyler, AICP is the Transportation Policy Analyst at the Illinois Economic Policy Institute. She previously served as the Coordinator for the Victoria, TX Metropolitan Planning Organization and Senior Transportation Planner for the City of Victoria, TX. She holds a Master of Urban Planning from Texas A&M University and a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Mathematics from the University of Evansville.
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NEW STUDY Says I-290 Improvements would Deliver Best Economic, Equity, Traffic Outcomes for Chicago Metro Region

Mary (Craighead) Tyler

Springfield acts to put I-290 in the spotlight under SJR31 La Grange:  A multi-modal infrastructure proposal that would modernize the 13-mile stretch of I-290 between I-94 and the I-88/294 interchange would create more than 22,000 jobs, reduce traffic congestion by … Continue reading NEW STUDY Says I-290 Improvements would Deliver Best Economic, Equity, Traffic Outcomes for Chicago Metro Region

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Record-Breaking May Precipitation Calls for Increased Focus on Climate Change Impacts

Mary (Craighead) Tyler

As Illinois enters the summer months, we can reflect back on another spring that produced a record-breaking amount of precipitation. Multiple days of rain in the month of May resulted in widespread flooding across the Chicago region, to the point … Continue reading Record-Breaking May Precipitation Calls for Increased Focus on Climate Change Impacts

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REPORT: Illinois Needs $21 Billion Per Year to Fix State Building Facilities and Transportation Systems

Mary (Craighead) Tyler

La Grange: The deteriorating conditions of Illinois’ transportation systems, state owned facilities, education buildings, and veterans’ homes have resulted in residents across the state experiencing pothole filled roads, overcrowded schools, and poorly maintained university buildings and state facilities. The annual … Continue reading REPORT: Illinois Needs $21 Billion Per Year to Fix State Building Facilities and Transportation Systems

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ILEPI Testimony at the Illinois House Transportation Committee

Mary (Craighead) Tyler

On Wednesday, April 4, 2018 the Transportation: Regulation, Roads & Bridges Committee of the Illinois House of Representatives held a hearing titled “Effects of the Proposed Federal Infrastructure Plan.”  Mary Craighead, AICP, transportation policy analyst with ILEPI, submitted testimony that is summarized below. Continue reading “ILEPI Testimony at the Illinois House Transportation Committee”

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REPORT: Illinois Needs $4.6 Billion Per Year to Fix Roads, Bridges, and Transit Systems

Mary (Craighead) Tyler

Falling Motor Fuel Tax Revenues Accelerate Funding Shortfall La Grange:  The rapidly deteriorating condition of Illinois roads, bridges, and transit systems is producing increased congestion and vehicle maintenance costs, and the annual cost of needed repairs currently stands at $4.6 … Continue reading REPORT: Illinois Needs $4.6 Billion Per Year to Fix Roads, Bridges, and Transit Systems

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President Trump’s Proposed Infrastructure Plan: The Shift to Local Funding and Illinois’ Response

Mary (Craighead) Tyler

How will Illinois respond: acknowledge that the current Administration is unwilling to provide direct support and offer local funding solutions or continue to hold out for broader federal aid? Continue reading “President Trump’s Proposed Infrastructure Plan: The Shift to Local Funding and Illinois’ Response”

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I-80: Exemplifying the Need for Infrastructure Investment

Mary (Craighead) Tyler

Interstate 80 near Joliet is a prime example of a roadway in desperate need of improvements.  Built in the 1960s as an original portion of the interstate highway system, it is a crucial east-west corridor for both the Chicago region and the nation.  However, inadequate infrastructure funding on both the state and federal levels has left travelers in the lurch, subjecting them to not only the inconvenience of congestion and an inefficient roadway, but also safety issues. Continue reading “I-80: Exemplifying the Need for Infrastructure Investment”

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New Study Says I-80 Near Joliet in “Desperate Need” of Repairs, Improvement

Mary (Craighead) Tyler

Thursday Community Town Hall Meeting Convened State and Local Leaders to Discuss Local Highway Infrastructure Needs Joliet: As highlighted at a Thursday Town Hall meeting in Joliet – where state transportation leaders gathered to discuss Will County’s highway infrastructure needs – an Illinois … Continue reading New Study Says I-80 Near Joliet in “Desperate Need” of Repairs, Improvement