Illinois Governor Pat Quinn is defending the state tollway board’s decision to hike prices. He said the plan will help fund construction projects, reduce traffic times and keep drivers safe.

“We have to invest in these roads in order to make sure they’re safe—we don’t want to be the shock absorber capital of the United States with all kinds of potholes, when people drive over the potholes and they’re car gets broken down and they’re not very happy I wouldn’t be either,” he said.

Quinn said the extra funds will pay for projects like expanding the Jane Addams Tollway and connecting Interstates 294 and 57.

The Tollway board voted yesterday 7-1 to increase the rates. Most I-Pass rates will see a spike from 40 cents to 75 cents, while drivers who pay cash will pay twice that amount. Quinn said county board chairmen from DuPage, Lake, Will and Kane counties, among others, came in front of the tollway board to support the raises.

The new toll prices will take effect on January 1st.