I-290/I-88 Interchange Project at I-294
Tri-State Tollway (I-294)
I-290/I-88 Interchange Project at I-294
Construction Overview
The I-290/I-88 Interchange at I-294 is one of the most important interchanges on the Tollway system. It is not only a crossroads for commuter and local traffic, but also an integral part of the regional freight network. More than 300,000 vehicles use the interchange every day, traveling between the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88), the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) and the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) as well as other local and state roadways.
The reconfiguration and reconstruction of the I-290/I-88 Interchange is estimated at $700-$800 million and will reduce congestion, improve safety and address operational issues, as well as infrastructure conditions as part of the Illinois Tollway’s Central Tri-State Project. Work started in 2020 and is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2026.
Construction in 2023 includes ongoing reconstruction of bridges over Roosevelt Road, I-88, Butterfield Road, the Canadian National Railroad, I-290 and Electric Avenue and work to build a temporary ramp from southbound I-294 to eastbound I-290 and westbound I-88.
Construction Update 9/22/23
Ramps
The ramp connecting eastbound I-88 to both northbound I-294 and westbound I-290 is reduced to a single lane. The lane reduction begins on eastbound I-88 near Roosevelt Road where the ramp starts. Only traffic in the far-right lane on I-88 has access to the ramp, and no access is available to traffic in the two left lanes on I-88. Ramp traffic will remain reduced to a single lane through the fall, with traffic shifted first to inside lane, followed by a shift to the outside lane. Additional travel delays are expected.
The ramp connecting northbound I-294 to westbound Roosevelt Road is closed to traffic. A detour will be posted. The ramp is scheduled to remain closed through the end of 2023.
The ramp carrying traffic from westbound I-290 to northbound I-294 is closed. A detour will be 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.
In addition, overnight lane closures are underway at the interchange and are scheduled to continue through the end of the year. Closures will include detours for the ramps connecting northbound I-294 and the eastbound Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88) to westbound I-290, among others.
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.
Please check the Daily Construction Alert for up-to-date closure information.
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 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
SB I-294 TO EB I-290 RAMP CLOSURE
DETOUR
EB I-88 TO NB I-294 AND WB I-290
RAMP LANE CLOSURE
NB I-294 TO WB I-88
RAMP LANE CLOSURE
Customer Impacts
The Illinois Tollway will maintain access to the I-290/I-88 Interchange throughout construction. 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.
Electronic message signs and construction signage will be put in place in advance to alert drivers to scheduled ramp and lane closures, traffic patterns and work zone speed limits.
Coordination
The I-290/I-88 Interchange at the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Project will reduce congestion, improve safety and address operational issues as well as infrastructure conditions.
Construction on this project is being coordinated with the Illinois Department of Transportation, Village of Berkeley, City of Elmhurst, Village of Hillside, Village of Oak Brook, Elmhurst Park District, Cook County Forest Preserve, the DuPage County Division of Transportation and the DuPage Water Commission, as well as local fire and police departments.
Work Zone Safety
The Illinois Tollway is committed to ensuring that the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294), the Reagan Memorial Tollway, the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) 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. On I-294, a 45 mph work zone speed limit is in effect throughout the construction season.
Visit the Tollway's Work Zone Safety page.
Sustainability
The Tollway is committed to building green and minimizing the environmental impact of construction by reducing, recycling and reusing materials. In addition to reducing the cost of this work, reuse of these materials reduces the need for virgin asphalt materials and reduces energy consumption, greenhouse gases and the volume of material that would otherwise be sent to landfills.
Project Videos
Project Overview
This video examines the current conditions of the I-290/I-88 interchange at I-294. Improvements at this interchange will reduce backups and dramatically improve the chokepoint so that commuters, travelers and commerce can more efficiently reach their destinations.
I-294 Southbound to I-88 Westbound
This animation depicts existing and proposed conditions for a driver traveling from I-294 Southbound to I-88 Westbound. The animation highlights that the proposed exit ramp is barrier separated from merging I-290 traffic which will alleviate heavy congestion due to weaving movements.
I-290 Westbound at St. Charles Road
This animation depicts existing and proposed conditions for a driver exiting I-290 Westbound at St. Charles Road. The animation highlights that the proposed exit is much earlier along I-290 than the existing exit, preparing drivers for this change in roadway conditions.
I-290 Eastbound to I-294 Southbound
This animation depicts existing and proposed conditions for a driver traveling from I-290 Eastbound to I-294 Southbound. The animation highlights that the proposed exit ramp is barrier separated from merging I-88 traffic which will alleviate heavy congestion due to weaving movements.
I-294 Northbound to I-290 Westbound and I-294 Southbound to I-88 Westbound
This animation shows a drone view of existing and proposed conditions for I-294 Northbound to I-290 Westbound and I-294 Southbound to I-88 Westbound. It highlights the areas of congestion and how the proposed geometry will alleviate heavy congestion due to weaving and truck turning movements.
I-294 Northbound to I-290 Westbound
This animation depicts existing and proposed conditions for a driver traveling from I-294 Northbound to I-290 Westbound. The animation highlights that the proposed exit ramp eliminates the loop ramp in lieu of a “fly under” ramp which will relieve slow truck turning movements.