Chicago Construction News staff writer
The Illinois Tollway has opened two ramps connecting the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) to the first segment of the new I-490 Tollway, marking a milestone in the $4.3-billion Elgin O’Hare Western Access Project.
The ramps provide access to Franklin Park and Bensenville and improve connections between I-294 and Franklin Avenue, with the aim of reducing congestion south of O’Hare International Airport.
The interchange is part of a multi-phase project to build a new six-mile tollway connecting the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) to I-294 and providing western access to Illinois Route 390 and O’Hare International Airport.
The new ramps connect northbound I-294 to northbound I-490 for access to Franklin Avenue, while a second ramp allows traffic from Franklin Avenue to reach southbound I-294 via southbound I-490.
“Today marks a major milestone for the I-490 Tollway Project, one of the most significant transportation investments in our region,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse.
The project has been years in the making and is intended to improve mobility, reduce congestion and strengthen access to the region’s economic centres, Rouse said.
Construction of the I-490 Tollway and Cook County’s Green Street and Franklin Avenue Improvement Project is continuing. The full Franklin Avenue interchange and the northern extension of I-490 are expected to open in 2029.
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said the county would continue improvements at Franklin Avenue and Green Street to enhance safety, reduce congestion and improve access for residents and businesses.
Franklin Park Mayor Barrett Pedersen said the project would improve traffic flow and safety while creating long-term economic opportunities. He also highlighted the Tollway’s use of practices to reduce, recycle and reuse construction debris, along with native landscaping and tree planting.
Bensenville Village President Frank DeSimone said the interchange would improve connectivity and create opportunities for businesses and residents.
More than 13,000 vehicles a day are projected to use the completed I-490/Franklin Avenue interchange.
Tolls will be collected at the Franklin Avenue and Acorn Avenue toll plazas. I-PASS rates will be 55 cents for cars, while truck rates will range from $1.45 to $3.85 during daytime hours, with overnight discounts available.
Drivers will also be able to pay through Pay By Plate or invoice, although additional fees apply.
The broader I-490 project includes local access interchanges at Franklin Avenue, Irving Park Road and Touhy Avenue.
