The US state of Illinois is planning to construct a new $3.6bn extension plan for Elgin O’Hare Expressway, which will halve the travel time to reach O’Hare International Airport.

A preliminary study by the department suggests that extending the expressway and building a west bypass road to connect the two interstate highways will be the best option.

The route is one of the two routes under consideration by the department to extend the expressway’s eastern portion to create a western entrance to the airport, which is currently accessible only via Interstate Highway 190.

The study says the proposed route cab reduces traffic congestion across area roadways by 10%, reduces travel times to O’Hare by 49% and increases public transit ridership by 37%.

The project would also boost the local economy by an estimated $5bn in benefits, according to a draft environmental impact study issued by the state Department of Transportation.

Initial planning work is expected to finish next year pending a public hearing scheduled in October.