 | 05/27/2008 Illinois Tollway Debuts Captain Tollway To Help Drivers Reduce Stress and Have More Fun This Summer Travel Season
Captain Tollway Spreads the Word to Know Before You Go! With Coloring Books Available at Tollway Customer Service Centers
DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. – Iron Man, Batman, the Hulk might have swell super powers or nifty crime-fighting gadgets. But when it comes to bringing Congestion Relief to drivers on the Illinois Tollway, there’s only one superhero delivering the message to Know Before You Go! this summer travel season - Captain Tollway. The new superhero makes his debut today as the champion of customer service on the Illinois Tollway.
Captain Tollway’s first mission, as the star of his own coloring book, is to provide kids with Know Before You Go! tips to pass along to their parents for vacation trips and commutes alike. Tips includes why motorists should “Drive 45” in work zones, how to find out roadway conditions, and how to avoid “vacation violations.” The 12-page coloring book with crayons will be distributed at all six Illinois Tollway Customer Service Centers in time for the start of the summer travel season.
“Travel will definitely be more challenging this year throughout the Illinois Tollway as our $6.3 billion Congestion-Relief Program is well underway, and we apologize in advance for the inconvenience,” said Executive Director Brian McPartlin. “We urge drivers to allow for extra travel time and take Captain Tollway’s advice to get the latest information on construction and travel times before getting on the road.”
While daily commuters know what to expect on their frequently traveled routes, occasional drivers may hit the road less-prepared and vacationers often forget about summer construction until they are in traffic.
To Know Before You Go! check out www.illinoistollway.com before traveling, to get current traffic and construction information, update your I-PASS accounts and make a plan to stop for gas or snacks at an Illinois Tollway Oasis along the way.
Construction Information - Why Drive 45?
Detailed information, including maps and diagrams are available in the Traffic & Construction section on the Illinois Tollway Web site. Construction projects are underway as the Illinois Tollway continues to rebuild and restore nearly the entire 286-mile system and widen roadways in the most congested areas as part of the $6.3 billion Congestion-Relief Program - Open Roads for a Faster Future.
The Illinois Tollway tries to maintain the same number of lanes available before construction throughout current roadway construction. To make this possible, lane width will be reduced and traffic will be shifted during roadway construction. The Tollway also is committed to limiting closures of ramps and lanes only when absolutely necessary and will schedule closures to have the least impact on drivers.
Construction zone speed limits - 45 m.p.h. in most mainline work zones - are in effect 24/7 for driver and worker safety, whether or not workers are present. Drivers need to watch for changing traffic patterns, changes in pavement conditions and construction equipment entering and exiting the roadway when workers are present. Illinois State Police have zero tolerance for drivers speeding in work zones.
Toll Plazas and I-PASS
Drivers can identify toll plaza locations and rates before setting out to ensure they have cash on hand or funds in their I-PASS account. Use the Toll Calculator in the Roads & Tolls section of the Illinois Tollway Web site, or refer to Maps in the same section for more information, including a link to an interactive system map to identify rates and toll plaza locations to avoid racking up toll violations. Drivers who accidentally miss a toll can pay online via the Illinois Tollway Web site within 7 days without penalty or toll violation fines.
I-PASS users can manage accounts online through the I-PASS section on the Illinois Tollway Web site to review transactions, add funds to an account and make sure account information is up to date. Be sure license plate and credit card information are correct, or you could receive a violation notice, since the system will not recognize you as an I-PASS family member without your current information. If you are using your transponder in more than one car, make sure all license plates are on file. I-PASS also can be used on the Chicago Skyway, Indiana Toll Road, and anywhere E-ZPass is accepted.
Running on Empty?
Check out the Oasis Section on the Illinois Tollway Web site 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 free WiFi connection for a business meeting, 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.
What’s Traffic Like?
Drivers should allow extra time when traveling this summer due to increased traffic and construction. To get current roadway conditions, access to real-time traffic information and travel times in the Traffic & Construction section on the Illinois Tollway Web site. Drivers who want travel information delivered via computer, PDA or cell phone can sign up for e-mail traffic alerts provided by NBC5 that provide current travel times and traffic information by time of day, roadway and route.
About the Illinois Tollway
Whether commuting daily, taking a leisure trip or passing through on the way to other destinations, travel on the Illinois Tollway is faster, easier and convenient if you Know Before You Go! The Illinois Tollway maintains and operates 286 miles of interstate tollways in 12 counties in Northern Illinois, including the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88), the Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355), the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90), and the Tri-State Tollway (I-94, I-294, I-80/I-294).
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