During construction season, it is a good idea to review work zone safety tips. Below you will find some of the most useful.
Watch for signs posted a minimum of one-half mile in advance of a construction zone. Reduce your speed to the posted speed limit, generally 45 m.p.h.
Obey construction work zone speed limits at all times, 24/ 7, even when workers are not present. The minimum penalty for speeding in a work zone is $375, regardless of whether there are workers present or not. Scott’s Law requires motorists to slow down or move to the next available lane when approaching emergency or highway maintainer vehicles with flashing lights.
One of the most common crashes in a work zone is a rear-end collision. In addition, traffic in work zones makes sudden stops.
Traffic patterns change often in many construction zones. Workers also work on or near the live roadway.
Dedicate your full attention to the roadway. Avoid activities that may divert your attention from the roadway such as talking on cell phones.
The penalty for hitting a worker is a $10,000 fine and 14 years in jail. Signs warning of penalties are posted along multi-lane construction projects.
Keep an eye out for the safety colors of orange and fluorescent lime-green that all workers wear when on the roads.
Obey the speed limit signs posted. This is for the safety of drivers and workers because lanes are more narrow than highway lanes and workers are present.
Obey the speed limits and stop as required in cash and automatic ramp lanes. Be alert for slower moving traffic and allow time to decelerate. The speed limits approaching toll plazas have been reduced to increase public awareness about the need to drive safely on the Tollway. 45 m.p.h. speed limits apply approximately one-half mile from most toll plazas. In rural areas where the speed limit is 65 m.p.h., the speed limit is reduced to 55 m.p.h. about two miles ahead of plazas. Drivers should not accelerate too quickly upon exiting manual plazas as multiple lanes merge into a smaller number of lanes.
Solid lines indicate that it is illegal to change lanes. The Tollway has initiated a striping plan at mainline plazas to improve the overall flow of traffic. Solid lines approaching and departing the plazas prompt motorists to select a lane sooner and prevent erratic lane changing. Pay attention to overhead signs and pavement markings when approaching a plaza and stay in the lane you choose. Switching lanes close to a plaza is unsafe.
Most ramp toll plazas have I-PASS Only lanes. I-PASS users do not have to stop in I-PASS Only lanes. The speed limit for I-PASS Only lanes on ramps is 15 m.p.h. All cars in the cash lanes must stop as required by law.
It is unsafe to stop in an I-PASS lane. If you find yourself unintentionally in an I-PASS Only lane, continue through the lane; DO NOT STOP. Go online within 7 days to pay the missed toll – to avoid violations and associated fines of $20 per
occurrence.
Traveler Checklist
What’s Traffic Like? Know Your Travel Time Ahead of Time – Drive Smart by Planning Ahead
GCM travel provides real-time traffic reports, maps and construction information for the Gary-Chicago-Milwaukee metro area.
Personalized Tollway Traffic Alerts are available at the NBC5 website.
Program your frequent travel routes, and desired notification times to receive timely alerts, sent directly to your phone, email, or PDA. Is there more than one way to reach your destination? Program multiple routes so you know whether to take a different route or change your course.
A Daily Lane Closure Report and Construction Alerts are posted online to give drivers advanced notice of when and where we’ll be closing lanes and changing traffic patterns. Lane closures are planned during off-peak hours to minimize the impact on traffic.
Why Drive 45? Stay Alert & Drive Safely in Construction Zones
In Illinois, an average of 7,000 crashes occur yearly in highway work zones.
Slow Down. Work zone speed limits are in place 24/7 to keep motorists and workers safe. 85% of work zone crashes injure motorists, not workers.
Be Aware. Illinois State Police District 15 constantly patrols Tollway construction zones through various initiatives such as Operation Hardhat and Photo Enforcement Vans.
Pay Attention. Narrow lanes and changing traffic configurations require reduced speeds to prevent accidents.
Save Cash. Slowing down not only creates a safer driving environment, it creates greater fuel efficiency. Every 5 mph you drive over 60 costs $0.22 more per gallon of gas.
Money in Your Account? Are you an I-PASS user?
Check your account regularly to ensure your vehicle information is current and your account has adequate funds.
With Auto-replenish it's easy to forget that you have an account to maintain, but you must keep your information current. Be sure to review and update information such as your license plate, car make/model, contact information and credit card expiration date.
Did you know your I-PASS works in multiple states?
If you are traveling on the E-ZPass system you can use your I-PASS. Check our list of all participating states, and be sure to load up your balance ahead of time to avoid running low.
Will you pay with cash?
Know toll locations and rates before you set out on your Tollway trip. Use the Toll Calculator or refer to our Maps page for more information about tolls. Tolls at the entrance and exit ramps are unattended, so if you don’t have I-PASS you must have exact coins. No change can be given and bills are not accepted.
If you miss a toll, you can now pay missed tolls online. Please note that you must pay a missed toll within 7 days to avoid violation charges.
Running on Empty? Rest & Refuel at a Tollway Oasis
Long road trip ahead? Check out the Oasis Section to locate the best spot to rest and refuel yourself and your car.
Seven Tollway Oases offer a variety of services and food options to commuters and long-distance travelers alike. Whether you need a cup of coffee, magazine for a long ride, or a quick WiFi connection to check the road ahead, you will find the Oases are full of traveler conveniences.
Mobil Fuel Stations and On the Run stores are open 24-hours and offer competitive gas prices and a convenient exit and re-entry onto the Tollway.
