Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Project
Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294)
Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Project
Project Overview
The Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) is being reconstructed and widened from Balmoral Avenue to 95th Street to provide congestion relief, reconstruct old infrastructure to meet current and future transportation demand and address regional needs. The project is scheduled from 2018 through 2026. This 22-mile corridor serves more than 300,000 vehicles daily. The $4 billion project is scheduled from 2018 through 2026.
The Illinois Tollway has undertaken a detailed planning and refinement process to develop design and construction plans for the Central Tri-State Tollway Project. Major components of the project include reconfiguring the I-290/I-88 Interchange at I-294, rebuilding the Mile Long Bridge and the BNSF Railway Bridge, as well as integrating Flex Lanes and SmartRoad technology.
2023 Overview
Construction in 2023 includes mainline rehabilitation and widening between the O’Hare Oasis and Wolf Road and mainline reconstruction and widening between Wolf Road and St. Charles Road, between I-55 and 75th Street and between LaGrange Road and 95th Street. Work on The Mile Long Bridge between Hodgkins and Willow Springs is scheduled to be complete this year.
Work this year also includes ongoing work to reconfigure ramps at the Ogden Avenue Interchange, reconstruction and improvement of ramps at the I-55 Interchange and work to reconfigure the ramps at the I-290/I-88 Interchange at I-294.
In addition, work to reconstruction of the Plainfield Road Bridge carrying traffic over I-294 is scheduled for completion this year, as is bridge reconstruction and local road improvements at 87th Street and Roberts Road.
CONCEPT PLAN
MAP
PROJECT SCHEDULE
MAP
NB I-294 TO EB I-290 RAMP CLOSURE
DETOUR
NB I-294 TO WB I-290 RAMP CLOSURE
DETOUR
EB I-88 TO WB I-290 RAMP CLOSURE
DETOUR
EB ARCHER AVENUE TO SB I-294 RAMP CLOSURE DETOUR
WB I-290 TO SB I-294 RAMP CLOSURE
DETOUR
EB I-88 TO NB I-294 AND WB I-290 RAMP CLOSURE DETOUR
WB IL 38 TO SB I-294 RAMP CLOSURE
DETOUR
NB I-294 TO WB IL 38 RAMP CLOSURE
DETOUR
EB I-290 TO SB I-294 RAMP CLOSURE DETOUR
EB IL 38 TO EB I-290 RAMP CLOSURE
DETOUR
WB I-290 TO SB I-294 AND WB I-88 RAMP
CLOSURE DETOURS
NB I-294 TO WB I-88
RAMP LANE CLOSURE
EB I-88 and NB I-294 to WB I-290 RAMP
CLOSURE DETOUR
SB I-294 TO EB I-290 RAMP CLOSURE
DETOUR
Hinsdale Area Update (5/6/2024)
As part of the Illinois Tollway’s reconstruction and widening of the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) construction activity may have an impact on residential areas adjacent to the Tollway. Work will be performed throughout the day, with overnight and weekend work scheduled as needed. Check here for updates.
Current and upcoming construction will include the following:
- Removal of existing noisewalls between Ogden Avenue and the Hinsdale Oasis is scheduled to begin this week and continue through May. Temporary fencing was installed to limit sight and nuisances. Noisewalls will be replaced following completion of roadway reconstruction scheduled for 2025.
- Roadway construction activity in May will include concrete breaking operations during daytime hours. Residents may notice some increased noise.
- Relocation of the 55th Street watermain is scheduled to begin mid-May. Local road closures along Harding Road may be needed to complete this work and will be coordinate with the Village of Hinsdale.
The Tollway has coordinated with the Village of Hinsdale throughout the design, planning and construction of this project to reduce the inconvenience this construction project has on local residents and businesses near the Tollway.
Contact our construction communications team via email at 294tristate@getipass.com or our 24/7 construction hotline at 630-246-2930.
Customer Impacts
Shoulder closures and traffic shifts will be used to provide room for a work zone and safely accommodate traffic. Whenever possible, the Tollway uses traffic shifts and shoulders to keep as many lanes open during peak hours as were available before construction.
In addition, lane closures will be scheduled as needed on the Tollway and local roads to complete work.
Construction Update (5/16/24)
I-294 Mainline
Between Wolf Road and I-55 traffic is currently shifted in both directions, including:
- Between Wolf Road and North Avenue, two northbound lanes are traveling on the southbound side of the Tollway.
- Between St. Charles Road and Butterfield Road, southbound I-294 is in a split configuration with two left lanes continuing on the I-294 mainline and two right lanes directed onto the auxiliary lanes providing access to exit ramps for eastbound I-290 and for westbound I-88 before reconnecting with the southbound I-294 mainline. Traffic must use the two right lanes to access the eastbound I-290 ramp and the westbound I-88 ramp. The two left lanes will be express lanes with the next available exit at Cermak Road. This traffic pattern on southbound I-294 will be in place into 2026.
- Between I-88 and Electric Avenue, two northbound lanes are traveling on the southbound side of the Tollway.
- Between Maple Avenue and Ogden Avenue, four northbound lanes of traffic are shifted to the left and one lane is shifted to the right with a work zone in the middle. All exiting traffic must use the right lane well in advance of the interchange to access both eastbound and westbound Ogden Avenue.
Between 95th Street and the 83rd Street Toll Plaza, northbound traffic is shifted.
Traffic is scheduled to remain in these configurations throughout 2024.
Please check the Daily Construction Alert for up-to-date closure information.
Local Roads
On Butterfield Road, traffic is reduced to a single lane in both directions under I-294 between Calvin Avenue and I-290. The closures are scheduled to remain in place through 2024.
Ramps
At the I-290/I-88 Interchange at I-294:
The ramp carrying traffic from westbound I-290 to northbound I-294 is closed. A detour is posted. The ramp is scheduled to remain closed through the end of 2024.
The ramp carrying westbound Roosevelt Road to southbound I-294 is closed. A detour is posted. The ramp is scheduled to remain closed through the end of 2024.
- Additional lane and ramp closures are scheduled throughout the year on I-294 and I-290. Detours will be posted.
In conjunction with work at the 88th/Cork Avenue Interchange, the ramp connecting eastbound Archer Avenue to southbound I-294 is closed through 2025. A detour is posted.
A Regional Solution
The Central Tri-State Tollway is being reconstructed to increase capacity, reduce congestion and improve travel reliability. This work is part of the Tollway’s 15-year, $14 billion capital program, Move Illinois: The Illinois Tollway Driving the Future. More than 220,000 vehicles use this portion of the Tri-State Tollway daily.
A detailed planning and refinement process is underway to complete a design concept for rebuilding the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294). This process includes outreach efforts with customers, communities, businesses and partners to identify regional improvements and continue to refine the design details.
Noisewalls
In accordance with the Tollway’s Noise Study and Abatement Policy, the Tollway is conducting a noise analysis to help assist the Tollway in identifying areas for additional noise solutions. The policy outlines specific measurements and considerations that all factor into proposed noise abatement measures.
> Noise Analysis Reports and Maps
> Noisewall Brochure
> Common Noise Levels
Work Zone Safety
The Illinois Tollway is committed to ensuring that the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) and local roads remain safe for both drivers and workers during construction, which is part of the agency’s overall commitment to roadway safety.
Work 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.
Visit the Tollway's Work Zone Safety page.