Illinois Tollway OKs first rate hike in nearly 15 years

Drivers on Illinois toll roads can expect to pay 45 cents more per toll starting next year and, for the first time ever, automatic inflation-adjusted increases every other year after that. The Illinois Tollway board's unanimous Wednesday vote to raise fares for the first time in nearly 15 years is expected to bring in an extra $1 billion each year — money the agency says is needed to fund an expanding portfolio of construction projects. The Tollway's 15-year capital plan lays out $26.5 billion…