I-294/I-90 Tri-Level Bridge Project
| Printer-Friendly Downloads |
 |
 |
Jump to a page section:
Detour Route | Project Summary | Purpose | News
The Tri-Level Bridge Project is reconstructing the flyover ramp bridge structures carrying traffic from the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) to the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90). The two-year project is scheduled to be complete by fall 2012. In 2012, the ramp bridge carrying northbound I-294 traffic to westbound I-90 will be reconstructed.
See a live image of the Tri-Level Bridge Project.
Construction Update (03-28-2012)
The ramp carrying traffic from eastbound I-190 to westbound I-90 and the ramp carrying traffic from northbound I-294 to westbound I-90 are closed. A detour will be in place through early July 2012.
Detour Route
Northbound I-294 traffic is routed through the cash side of the Touhy Toll Plaza, exit at Touhy Avenue West, turning right at River Road and immediately re-entering I-294 southbound to reach the exit ramp to westbound I-90.
Eastbound I-190 traffic is directed to northbound I-294 to follow the same detour route via Touhy Avenue.
No Double Tolls Charged
The detour route takes drivers through a second toll plaza, but customers will not be charged twice. I-PASS customers should go through the I-PASS Only lane at the Touhy Toll Plaza and at the Devon Toll Plaza. Only the 75 cent toll at the Devon Toll Plaza will be posted to I-PASS accounts.
Cash-paying customers should use the lane identified by overhead detour signage, located to the right of the I-PASS Only lane. Customers must request a receipt to avoid a double toll on the detour route. Passenger cars will be charged the $1.50 Devon toll rate at the Touhy Toll Plaza in the detour lane only. A receipt will be provided which must be presented at the Devon Toll Plaza to avoid a double toll.
Project Summary
Bridge and Ramp Rehabilitation
Repairs to the flyover ramp bridges include replacement of the concrete beams, bridge deck replacement, bearing removal and replacement, and structural repair of concrete for the existing bridge substructure.
Full closure of the ramp bridge will allow the Tollway to complete work in nearly half the time, four months instead of seven months.
Using a single concrete pour will avoid a joint running down the middle of the bridge, which is susceptible to water and salt infiltration, and eliminates traffic vibration that affects concrete curing, resulting in less maintenance on the bridge in the long run.
Closing the ramp is the safest of all the options considered and is the safest for construction workers. In addition, keeping one lane of traffic open on the long highly elevated bridge presents serious safety concerns, including access for emergency vehicles should an incident occur on the bridge. One lane cannot handle the daily volume of traffic on the ramp.
Using a single concrete pour will save the Tollway $1 million over the life of the bridge, which can be applied to other projects.
Maintenance of Traffic
In addition to the ramp closure, the project also requires occasional closures on I-90 and on I-294 for bridge beam removal and replacement. These lane closures will be scheduled during off-peak hours to minimize the impact to traffic.
Purpose
The Tri-Level Bridge Project is necessary to extend the life of these ramp bridges and provide safe and convenient travel for Tollway customers. The Tollway is coordinating this work with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and nearby O'Hare International Airport.
Work Zone Safety
Construction zone speed limits are in effect in all construction zones 24/7 and drivers should continue to watch for changing traffic patterns and use caution, especially when workers are present. A 45 mph speed limit will be in place. Visit the Tollway's Work Zone Safety page.
