Tollway Ready For Halloween Snowstorm
2019-10-31
Winter arrived early this year with a Halloween snowstorm, but the Illinois Tollway was ready to roll, deploying all of its 196 snowplows and opening its Snow Operations Center to clear roads and keep traffic moving.
“We’re committed to serving our customers by rapidly clearing snow and ice from our roads so drivers can continue to travel safely and by quickly assisting any customers whose vehicles become disabled along our system,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director José Alvarez. “Drivers can help us meet these challenges by slowing down and increasing their distance from the vehicles around them, especially snowplows and emergency vehicles.”
With more storms expected this winter, the Tollway asks drivers to take a few simple safety precautions during severe weather and to remember help is always just a phone call away.
Any drivers whose vehicles become disabled or who need help while traveling on the Tollway system should dial *999 from a cellphone to receive assistance from Tollway workers or from Illinois State Police District 15.
The Tollway reminds drivers to protect themselves, other drivers and emergency responders by obeying the Move Over Law, which requires drivers to slow down and change lanes safely when they approach any stopped vehicle that has flashing emergency or hazard lights.
The Tollway assists drivers by providing information to help them reach their destinations safely during winter weather, including using its Traffic and Incident Management System (TIMS) to display real-time travel times and roadway conditions on over-the-road electronic message signs throughout the Tollway.
Real-time roadway incident information including the type of incident, location and impact on traffic is also available on the Tollway’s website or via Twitter to assist drivers in planning their trips. Drivers can sign up for Tollway Trip Tweets at twitter.com or from the Tollway’s website at illinoistollway.com. Tweeters can follow all five Tollway Trips or just the roadways that interest them.
The five are: @94_294_Tollway, @I_90_Tollway, @I_88_Tollway, @I_355_Tollway and @IL_390_Tollway.
Tollway Travel Tips
The Tollway offers the following tips for winter weather events:
- Slow down and leave enough time to reach your destination.
- Do not make sudden lane changes and always use your turn signal.
- Don't follow too closely and increase your intervals between vehicles.
- Remember to always wear your safety belt and ensure children under the age of 8 are securely restrained in child safety seats.
- Drop It and Drive. Don't text or use a hand-held cellphone while driving. Both are illegal.