New Chicago area expressway cameras still not turned on as shootings continue

CHICAGO - The deadliest expressway in Chicagoland is the Dan Ryan.

On Thursday night, a man was shot in an SUV traveling in the outbound lanes near 71st Street.

Now, we are asking where are the cameras the Illinois Department of Transportation announced they had the money to buy two months ago?

The man shot last night is expected to survive, but here is the problem: He is one of several shooting victims this year on Chicago area expressways.

It was Feb. 11, 2021 when IDOT announced it was allocating $12.5 million for the state police to upgrade cameras, as well as add license plate readers and software for 47 locations.

DOWNLOAD THE FOX 32 NEWS APP

FOX 32 News also reported in February that 27 shootings had occurred on Cook County expressways and three of those were fatal.

Since then, the number of shootings has climbed and still, there has been no upgraded technology.

The upgrades are part of the Tamara Clayton Expressway Camera Act, named after the postal worker killed on I-57 back in 2019.

"I know we can't get her back, but at least we can provide safety for other people," said Alma Hill, Clayton’s sister.

Clayton's death is still unsolved.

The Illinois State Police provided the following statement in response to the cameras to FOX 32:

"There are no updates to report on the cameras and license plate readers.This project is still new and large in scope. The Illinois State Police is currently exploring the logistical requirements of the project to ensure the most effective implementation. This project will include procurements that will fall under the State of Illinois procurement code and we are investigating the best approach for fulfilling the needs of the project. We continue to work deliberate expediency to complete the project successfully."