The Illinois State Toll Highway Authority has launched its ambitious $26.5 billion capital program titled ‘Driving Connections.’ This 15-year initiative focuses on improving toll roads, interchanges, and widening key corridors across the state.
Toll Road Reconstruction and Upgrades
More than $14.6 billion is dedicated to rebuilding and rehabilitating toll roads. An additional $3.36 billion targets interchange upgrades, while approximately $880 million is allocated for lane widening projects.
The new strategy follows the earlier $15 billion Move Illinois plan, which included notable projects like the new I-490 toll road near O’Hare International Airport and extensions to Illinois Route 390.
Interchange Projects with Major Impacts
The program prioritizes reducing bottlenecks at major interchanges. Significant investments include $3.1 billion for improving I-88 and I-355 interchanges. Plans aim to expand lanes on both northbound and southbound I-355 in Downers Grove to alleviate congestion.
There is also a $132 million project to establish a full access interchange at Irving Park Road and the Tri-State in Schiller Park. Previously, this interchange only provided access to and from the north.
We learned through Move Illinois that investments in interchanges are important, noted Cassaundra Rouse, Executive Director of Illinois Tollway.
Funding Support and Future Plans
Rate hikes averaging 45 cents for I-Pass users are proposed to fund these initiatives. Additionally, inflation-based increases are anticipated every other year starting in 2029, pending board approval.
Millions of dollars are earmarked for studying future improvements, including a $240 million study to ease congestion at the I-294 and I-90 interchange in Rosemont. Another area of study is the I-90/I-290/Route 53 nexus.
Collaboration with Partner Agencies
A key component of ‘Driving Connections’ involves working with partners like the Chicago Department of Aviation. This collaboration could lead to the construction of a western access facility at the future Route 390 and I-490 interchange near O’Hare. This facility would cater to employee parking and screening for airline staff.
The Illinois Tollway projects this facility will cost $412 million and include rehabbing parts of Route 390.
Reactions and Considerations
Former officials expressed concern over potential toll increases. Ex-Senator Bill Morris commented, questioning the necessity of rate hikes when improvements align with maintenance rather than capital expansion.
The program faces scrutiny concerning toll rates and their justification relative to inflation.
Highlighted Roadway Improvements
- Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355): Resurfacing from Spring Creek Toll Plaza to I-55 for $650 million; widening in Lombard for $197 million.
- Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88): Resurfacing between Aurora Toll Plaza and Washington Street for $391 million; widening near Naperville for $390 million.
- Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90): Resurfacing and upgrades between Elgin Toll Plaza and Kennedy Expressway for $664 million; improvements from Kishwaukee River to Elgin Toll Plaza for $823 million.