Illinois Tollway Welcomes High School Students to Eye-Opening Tour Of I-490 Tollway Project and Bensenville Maintenance Facility
Providing high school students with hands-on experiences and exposure to real-world construction projects is paramount to building the pipeline of future engineering professionals, carpenters, electricians, and mechanics.
More than just a field trip, the Illinois Tollway's recent site visit for students at Schurz High School in Chicago serves as a catalyst for inspiring the next generation of transportation industry leaders.
“There is no better way to foster a sense of curiosity and stoke ambitions to pursue careers in transportation than by showing students the exciting, meaningful work we do every day,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. “By opening the doors to our facilities and project sites, we are investing in the education and empowerment of these young minds to not only cultivate a deeper understanding of transportation infrastructure, but also to nurture a pipeline of talent poised to pursue careers in the skilled trades and engineering profession.”
The Tollway hosted about 20 students from Schurz High School on April 30 for a boots-on-the-ground experience at its I-490 Tollway Project construction site – a project of regional and national significance – and its new, LEED-certified roadway maintenance site in Bensenville. The tour offered students a behind-the-scenes, close-up look at what it takes to build and maintain its roads and bridges.
One of the highlights of the tour was the chance for students to interact with industry professionals directly involved in the construction and maintenance of the Tollway. Engineers, project managers and maintenance personnel generously shared their expertise, offering students a glimpse into the diverse career opportunities available. These interactions served to inspire students to consider pursuing careers in fields related to civil engineering, construction, and the skilled trades.
The tour began at the Illinois Tollway’s maintenance facility in Bensenville, a nearly 96,000 facility designed to serve the roadway needs of the Illinois Route 390 Tollway and the new I-490 Tollway while demonstrating the Tollway’s commitment to environmental responsibility through the extensive use of sustainable features.
After an introduction to safety protocols and personal protection equipment, students learned about the meticulous efforts, heavy machinery and equipment required to ensure the safety and efficiency of existing roadways. Students gained a deeper appreciation for the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the Tollway functioning safely and smoothly, providing students with opportunities to create messages for the over-the-road dynamic message signs and experience driving with DUI and marijuana impairment goggles with Illinois State Police.
The tour moved to the I-490/IL 390 Interchange Project construction site, where students witnessed firsthand the complexities involved in building this vital roadway that will bring long-awaited direct access into and out of the west side of O’Hare International Airport. From observing heavy machinery in action to learning about the various stages of construction to seeing how the Tollway uses drone technology at the site, the experience provided valuable insights into the engineering marvels shaping the landscape of Illinois.