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 2022 includes ongoing improvements on the St. Charles Road Bridges over I-294 and I-290, as well as rebuilding four ramps that connect St. Charles Road to I-290, in Berkley and Elmhurst. Additional work this year includes construction of mainline bridges and work to build a temporary ramp from southbound I-294 to eastbound I-290 and westbound I-88.
NB I-294 TO EB I-290 RAMP CLOSURE
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NB I-294 TO WB I-290 RAMP CLOSURE
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EB I-88 TO WB I-290 RAMP CLOSURE
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PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
St. Charles Road Interchange at I-290
Improvements at the St. Charles Road Interchange include removing and replacing the St. Charles Road Bridge over I-294 and repairing and replacing the bridge deck on the bridge over I-290. In addition, the four interchange ramps on the east side of I-290 will be reconstructed and a portion of westbound I-290 will be widened. Additional work includes retaining wall construction, drainage improvements and roadway lighting improvements.
This work began in 2018 and is scheduled to be complete in 2022.
Construction Update (6/24/22)
The Illinois Tollway is nearing completion of the reconstruction of the St. Charles Road Interchange on I-290. The two ramps connecting westbound St. Charles Road to westbound I-290 have reopened to traffic.
On St. Charles Road, traffic is reduced to one lane in each direction. Traffic is scheduled to remain in this configuration through July.
On I-290, traffic in both directions is shifted. Traffic is scheduled to remain in this configuration through the end of the year.
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.