The Illinois State Toll Highway Authority is launching a major new capital program, ‘Driving Connections,’ worth $26.5 billion. This initiative spans 15 years, aiming to improve infrastructure across the state. It includes massive toll road reconstruction, interchange upgrades, and road widening efforts.
Toll Road Reconstruction and Upgrades
Over $14.6 billion will be allocated to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of toll roads. Another significant portion, approximately $3.36 billion, will be dedicated to interchange improvements. Road widening projects will receive about $880 million. This new program follows the agency’s previous $15 billion initiative, ‘Move Illinois,’ which involved building new roads and interchanges.
“The ‘project list doesn’t have a great deal of ‘wow factor,’ but most items are critically needed,” noted DePaul University Professor Joseph Schwieterman.
Toll rate increases, averaging 45 cents for I-Pass users, are proposed to fund these projects. Inflation-related hikes will commence every other year starting from 2029.
Major Projects and Improvements
One standout project involves $3.1 billion for interchange enhancements at I-88 and I-355. This aims to address congestion by adding lanes and improving ramps. Similar improvements are planned for the Tri-State interchange with Irving Park Road. The Illinois Tollway intends to develop a full interchange at this location for $132 million.
Additionally, a significant segment of I-355 will be reconstructed from I-55 to Army Trail Road, costing $2.2 billion. Despite these improvements, former Illinois Tollway Director Bill Morris expressed skepticism, particularly about toll rate increases that seemingly lack justification.
Future Development and Studies
A total of $240 million has been earmarked for studying gridlock reduction at the I-294 and I-90 interchange. Another study, costing $34 million, aims to tackle congestion at the I-90/I-290/Route 53 nexus.
O’Hare Collaboration
Driving Connections also focuses on regional collaboration, particularly with the Chicago Department of Aviation. A joint venture at the Route 390 and I-490 interchange near O’Hare aims to facilitate employee transportation. This project, governed by an intergovernmental agreement, is valued at $412 million and will include upgrading sections of Route 390.
The Illinois Tollway’s investments are crucial for state connectivity, aligning with broader priorities. Nonetheless, concerns about toll increases exceeding inflation rates have prompted calls for further scrutiny.
Noteworthy Construction Projects
- Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355):
- Resurfacing from Spring Creek Toll Plaza to I-55: $650 million.
- Widening from Roosevelt Road to North Avenue: $197 million.
- Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88):
- Resurfacing and rehab from Aurora Toll Plaza to Naperville’s Washington Street: $391 million.
- Widening from Aurora Toll Plaza to Route 59: $390 million.
- Tri-State Tollway (I-294):
- Rehab between 95th Street in Bridgeview and 159th Street: $1.4 billion.
- Rehab from Balmoral Avenue to Edens Spur: $1.3 billion.
- Resurfacing between 95th Street and Wolf Road: $707 million.
- Widening and rehab from Route 394 to 159th Street: $757 million.
- Widening northbound lanes between Deerfield Road and Route 22: $105 million.
- Jane Addams Tollway (I-90):
- Resurfacing from Elgin Toll Plaza to Kennedy Expressway: $664 million.
- Resurfacing near Kishwaukee River to Elgin Toll Plaza: $823 million.