The Illinois State Toll Highway Authority has launched an ambitious $26.5 billion capital program called “Driving Connections.” This 15-year project focuses on reconstruction and upgrades across toll roads in the state. The initiative allocates over $14.6 billion to reconstruct and rehabilitate toll roads and designates nearly $3.36 billion for interchange upgrades. Another $880 million is set aside for the widening of key areas.
The new plan represents a shift from the last $15 billion mega plan, Move Illinois, which included constructing the I-490 toll road on O’Hare’s west side and adding extensions to Illinois Route 390. In Professor Joseph Schwieterman’s view from DePaul University, the new project list lacks some dramatic elements but addresses crucial needs. Commuters frequently face bottlenecks during peak hours on the tollway system, proving the necessity of these developments.
The funding strategy includes toll rate hikes averaging 45 cents per toll for I-Pass customers in passenger vehicles. Inflation-based increases are expected every other year starting in 2029, pending board approval. A major initiative within the program is the $3.1 billion improvement of the interchange at I-88 and I-355. Plans include additional lanes for northbound and southbound I-355 in the Downers Grove area.
Another significant project is the complete interchange at the Tri-State and Irving Park Road in Schiller Park, costing $132 million. Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse emphasizes the critical role of interchange investments and notes technology and safety improvements with bridge rehabilitation efforts.
“There’s an opportunity to rehabilitate aging bridges within this program.” – Cassaundra Rouse
One expansive project involves reconstructing a 17-mile stretch of I-355 between I-55 and Army Trail Road, budgeted at approximately $2.2 billion. State Sen. Bill Morris expressed concerns about the toll increases, fearing that some projects labeled as capital projects might just be maintenance.
The Illinois Tollway allocates millions for boosting future efficiency, including a $240 million study for the I-294 and I-90 interchange in Rosemont. Another $34 million study will tackle congestion at the I-90/I-290/Route 53 area. These efforts aim to ease the frequent congestion experienced by drivers navigating these busy corridors.
O’Hare Collaboration
A key aspect of Driving Connections is collaboration with regional partners like the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA). For example, a joint venture near the Route 390 and I-490 interchange will benefit the future O’Hare operations. This $412 million project focuses on facility construction for airline employee parking and screening.
As articulated by former Waukegan mayor Bill Morris, it’s essential to consider the impact of toll increases before passing them on to the consumers. Investments exceeding tenfold of the inflation rate require scrutiny and justification.
Here’s a glimpse of other key improvements:
- Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355): $650 million for resurfacing between Spring Creek Toll Plaza and I-55 and $197 million for widening near Lombard.
- Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88): $391 million for resurfacing from Aurora to Naperville; $390 million to widen near Naperville.
- Jane Addams Tollway (I-90): $664 million for resurfacing from Elgin to Kennedy Expressway, and $823 million for pavement upgrades near Rockford.