CHICAGO (AP) _ Three environmental groups are suing to try to stop the proposed Illiana Expressway.
 
  In a federal court filing this week, Openlands, Sierra Club and Midewin Heritage Association claim the Federal Highway Administration shouldn't have approved an environmental study on the project.
 
  The groups say the 47-mile route slated to go from Interstate 55 in Wilmington to Interstate 65 in Indiana would disturb protected natural resources and wildlife. 
 
  They argue mussels, squirrels, turtles, bald eagles and other wildlife living near the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery and the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie would be particularly affected.
 
  Openlands President and CEO Jerry Adelmann says there isn't any need for the $1.3 billion project, which he calls “foolhardy.''
 
  Officials with the Illinois Department of Transportation told The Southtown Star they're reviewing the case.