SPRINGFIELD - Chicago and its suburbs have fewer roads and bridges than the rest of the state.

But, in a move that is already sparking a classic downstate vs. Chicago legislative battle, some Chicago-area lawmakers want more money for road construction than the area has traditionally received.

Armed with a study by the legislature's research office, state Sen. Martin Sandoval, D-Cicero, said that between 1999 and 2007, road fund expenditures in the Chicago area ranged from about 32 percent of the statewide total to 44 percent.

That comes despite the region having about 63 percent of the state's population and 57 percent of the cars.

"Money should follow people," Sandoval said.

Sandoval wants to change the road fund allocations in the fiscal year that begins July 1. Currently, the 55-45 split favors downstate Illinois, which has 81 percent of the state's roadways and more than 60 percent of the state's bridges.

The move faces stiff opposition from lawmakers and labor groups representing areas outside of the six-county Chicago area.

State Sen. John Sullivan, a Rushville Democrat, said the state cannot abandon its investment in downstate roadways.

State Sen. Dan Rutherford, R-Chenoa, said he hoped the issue could be resolved without a regional fight.

"I would like to see this done in an objective manner," Rutherford said.

Sean Stott, governmental affairs director with the Laborer's Union, says the numbers being discussed by Sandoval don't account for all transportation dollars that go to Chicago.

"When you add it up, Chicago gets its fair share," Stott said.

The issue is expected to heat up in the coming weeks as lawmakers work to approve a statewide construction program as well as an overall state budget.