I-290/I-88 Interchange Project at I-294

Overview and Background

The I-290/I-88 Interchange at I-294 is one of the most important interchanges on the Tollway system. It is not only an important connection for commuter and local traffic, but also an important part of the freight network. With more than 300,000 vehicles using the interchange every day, this is one of the most notorious interchanges for backups.

Throughout the planning process of the Central Tri-State Project commuters, the business community and freight carriers expressed the need to fix the I-290/I-88 Interchange at I-294. Addressing backups and alleviating congestion on this Interchange was also a recommendation of the Central Tri-State Corridor Planning Council.

The Tollway Board of Directors directed staff to expand the Move Illinois capital program and advance a solution that addresses regional transportation needs and provides benefits to Tollway customers and communities along the corridor. The I-290/I-88 Interchange is part of the expanded project scope and budget.

Project Study Area

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.

Public Open House

The Illinois Tollway hosted a public open house meeting concerning Section 4(f) impacts at Victoria Park in Berkeley, Wild Meadows Park in Elmhurst and temporary impacts to the Illinois Prairie Path, related to proposed operational improvements at the I-290/I-88 Interchange on I-294.

Section 4(f) refers to the original section within the U.S. Department of Transportation Act of 1966 which provided for consideration of park and recreation lands, wildlife and waterfowl refuges, and historic sites during transportation project development.

During the public open house, exhibits were displayed and an audio-visual presentation was shown continuously during the meeting. Tollway personnel were present to receive input, provide information and answer questions.

Open House Information

Berkeley Village Hall
Tuesday, June 11
5 - 7 p.m.
5819 Electric Avenue
Berkeley, IL 60163
> View Google Map

Meeting Exhibits

June 11, 2019 - Public Meeting Presentation (pdf)

June 11, 2019 - Public Meeting Exhibits (pdf)

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Moving Forward

Because the project impacts a federally aided interstate system, the process must follow a special federal planning process. In close coordination with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the Tollway is working to advance the project following these federal guidelines.

Once complete, the Tollway will begin detailed design engineering to further refine and develop the details of the project. If additional right-of-way is required, it will be identified at the time. Project construction could begin as soon as 2023 and will be completed as early as 2025.