Chicago Construction News staff writer
The Illinois Tollway’s has released a 15‑year, $26.5 billion plan to improve tollways between 2027 and 2042, with signature projects designed to improve traffic flow and widespread maintenance and improvement projects.
The Driving Connections multi-year program will improve the Tollway’s affordable and reliable transportation system that connects communities with a modern system built to support a dynamic region for generations to come.
It will create thousands of engineering and construction jobs, supporting suppliers and small businesses while improving commerce and economic development.
Improvements are planned throughout the Illinois Tollway system – across all five tollways and the 12‑county region.
Public hearings on the capital program and proposed toll increases are scheduled throughout July. Public comments will be accepted through Aug. 3, 2026. Construction is expected to begin in 2027.
“The Illinois Tollway is more than just roadways; it’s a vital lifeline that connects people to the jobs, goods, healthcare, housing and opportunities they need to thrive,” said Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. “Driving Connections reinforces that mission by putting people first and ensuring our customers – and our state – are positioned for long‑term success.”
Capital funding will come from revenue bonds and toll revenues, which includes proposed toll rate increases for passenger and commercial vehicles effective January 1, 2027. The Illinois Tollway is a user-funded system that receives no state or federal tax dollars for maintenance and operations and is entirely funded by tolls.
“The Tollway drives our region’s economy, and Driving Connections will ensure we stay ready for the growth and opportunities ahead,” said Arnie Rivera, chairman of the Tollway’s board of directors. “This program reflects the guidance and priorities of stakeholders from across the region, reaffirming that every investment we make in the Tollway delivers real value to local communities.”
Here are some of the expected projects:
- Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355): $6.63 billion for improvements to the I‑355/I‑88 interchange and widening segments between I‑55 to Army Trail Road to reduce congestion.
- Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88): $3.53 billion to add a new access point on the western portion of I-88, reconstructing the roadway from Illinois Route 56 to Illinois Route 251 and rehabilitate and widen key segments between the Aurora Toll Plaza and the Eisenhower Expressway.
- North Tri-State Tollway (I-94/I-294): $3.07 billion for roadway rehabilitation and bridge reconstruction between Balmoral Avenue and the Edens Spur, as well as early design work for improvements at the I‑294/I‑90 Interchange.
- Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90): $2.60 billion for roadway improvements from Elgin to the Kennedy Expressway including eight miles of new SmartRoads and an expanded interchange at Lee Street plus reconstructing older roadway and bridge segments between Rockford and Elgin.
- South Tri-State Tollway (I-294/I-80): $2.39 billion for roadway repairs and bridge reconstruction from 159th Street (US‑6) to 95th Street, roadway and bridge work including targeted widenings between IL 394 and 159th Street, plus five miles of new SmartRoad infrastructure.
- Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294): $1.87 billion for roadway and bridge reconstruction from Balmoral Avenue to Wolf Road, a full interchange at Irving Park Road and design of a new bridge over the Bensenville Railroad Yard.
- Illinois Route 390 and I-490: $830 million to complete a joint project with the Chicago Department of Aviation to provide parking facilities and screening near the new Illinois Route 390/I-490 interchange, and rehab original segments of the Illinois Route 390 corridor.
- “We asked questions, we listened and we advanced a capital program that is comprehensive, inclusive and meets the needs of our region for future generations,” said Scott Paddock, Chairman of the Tollway’s Strategic Planning Committee.
For more information visit www.illinoistollway.com/drivingconnections.
