It’s about time. Expanding O’Hare will not keep traffic efficiency stable while the state decides what to do about another facility. The great lie about Peotone was that it would solve the problem. It might be a needed facility over and above O’Hare, but it couldn’t have taken over the role of primary airport.
While the effects of O’Hare congestion have been lessened since 9-11, the slow increase in traffic indicates the same problems will be reappearing soon. By getting a start now, O’Hare will be close to solving the problem.
None of this means there shouldn’t be greater oversight of the contracting process.