I-294/I-57 Interchange Project - Phase 2
Tri-State Tollway (I-294)
I-294/I-57 Interchange Project - Phase 2
On Sunday, September 11, the Illinois Tollway opened the final ramps to provide full access at the Tri-State Tollway (I-294)/I-57 Interchange, two years ahead of schedule. The $719 million project built in partnership with the Illinois Department of Transportation delivers a new gateway for commerce and economic development in the Chicago Southland region.
The Tollway opened up traffic access to four new ramps connecting southbound I-57 to I-294 and I-294 to northbound I-57. The first phase of the interchange opened in 2014 with access from northbound I-57 to northbound I-294 and southbound I-294 to southbound I-57, including new ramps at 147th Street.
“Illinois is consistently ranked as one of the best states in the nation for infrastructure, and projects like this demonstrate why,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “These historic investments in our interstates and the effective partnerships that have emerged from them have opened a pathway to economic growth that will benefit the entire region. We’re telling businesses and new development that Illinois is a state where you’ll be given the infrastructure needed for success.”
I-294/I-57 PROJECT OVERVIEW MAP
I-294/I-57 INTERCHANGE PROJECT SCHEDULE
Construction Update (5/22/23)
On I-57 between Thornton Road and 147th Street, during the week of May 22, three nights of lane closures will be needed to shift one lane of traffic to the left and two lanes to the right to provide a work zone in the center. All lanes are scheduled to reopen by 5 a.m. each morning in advance of morning rush hour. Traffic is scheduled to remain in this configuration for about a month. Once the work is complete, all northbound traffic will then shift to the left with a work zone on the right.
Southbound traffic is currently shifted to the right and will remain in this configuration through June when it is scheduled to shift to the left.
Traffic is scheduled to remain shifted in this area through 2023 to complete work to widen the CSX Railroad Bridge.
Please check the Daily Construction Alert for up-to-date closure information.
Toll Collection
The I-294/I-57 Interchange includes ramp toll plazas that provide for cashless tolling with I-PASS or E-ZPass or customers have a 14-day grace period to pay online, before the Illinois Tollway issues invoices with additional fees.
New ramps with toll plazas include the ramp connecting southbound I-57 to northbound I-294 and the ramp connecting southbound I-294 to northbound I-57.
Additional tolled ramps at the interchange include the ramp connecting northbound I-57 to northbound I-294 and southbound I-294 to southbound I-57, as well as 147th Street to northbound I-294 and southbound I-294 to 147th Street.
The regular toll rate is $1.50 for customers who pay their unpaid tolls online within 14 days and a discounted rate of 75 cents offered to I-PASS or E-ZPass customers. Truck and trailer rates range from $1.50 to $4.00 during daytime hours, with overnight discounts offered.
For more information about how to obtain an I-PASS or how to pay unpaid tolls, please visit the I-PASS page.
Work Zone Safety
The Illinois Tollway is committed to ensuring that the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) and I-57 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.
Economic Development
This vital regional interchange has already helped steer millions of square feet of new commercial development to the Chicago Southland communities around it, which in turn have generated thousands of new jobs in the region.