A project proposal for a regional, 4-lane, state highway from Carbondale to southwestern Illinois has been in discussion and debate for decades.

58th District State Senator Paul Schimpf (R-Waterloo) is for the proposal of a state highway connecting Carbondale with the St. Louis Metro East.

Senator Schmipf says the highway would require expansion of current 2-lane highways to 4 lanes and is important for the future economic vitality of southern and southwestern Illinois.