Judy Lamelza
Special to Chicago Construction News
Illinois is making progress on a crucial construction project that will connect the north and south legs of the new I-490 Tollway with the Illinois Route 390 Tollway. The Illinois Tollway is overseeing the project, which will include:
- construction of 3 miles of I-490 Tollway mainline roadway
- 16 ramps
- 15 bridges
The $340 million project will also provide direct access to one of the busiest airports in the US, O’Hare Airport.
“The new interchange will significantly improve travel and enhance mobility throughout the adjoining communities,” said Illinois Tollway Chief Engineering Officer | Manar Nashif. “Drivers will be able to use the interchange to access the northern leg of I-490 to reach the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) or take the southern segment of I-490 to reach the Tri-State Tollway (I-294).
“This project will have a powerful, positive impact on the Chicago area and for local drivers because it will improve travel efficiency, create opportunities for jobs and economic development, reduce congestion and improve access to O’Hare Airport.”
Construction Equipment Guide states that the project is primarily located in Bensenville and the DuPage County part of Elk Grove Village, where the interchange will allow drivers to enter the airport from the western side. By taking I-490 around the western edge of O’Hare, regional and long-distance traffic will also be able to bypass a portion of the Central Tri-State Tollway to easily access I-90 or reach businesses, warehouses, and logistics centers in the western suburbs.
Nashif noted that the Tollway has a detailed timetable for the project and has been working to stay on schedule, even through the winter when conditions permit. The interchange is a crucial part of the larger I-490 Tollway project, and the Tollway is working to complete all the different elements of this project in the proper order to ensure maximum efficiency and stay within budget.
Ultimately, the project will have a powerful and positive impact on the Chicago area and local drivers.
Once completed, drivers will be able to use the interchange to access the northern leg of I-490 to reach the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) or take the southern segment of I-490 to reach the Tri-State Tollway (I-294). Additionally, the interchange will provide direct access to and from O’Hare Airport, making it more accessible and reducing congestion in the surrounding areas.
DataBid is currently reporting on this project – ISTHA Elgin OHare Western Access Tollway I-490 Interchange Construction (0002011920)
