Tri-State Tollway (I-294)

88th/Cork Avenue Interchange Project

The long-envisioned 88th/Cork Avenue Interchange on the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) in Justice will unlock new access and relieve congestion in the area.

The $39 million project is a collaboration between the Tollway, Cook County, the Village of Justice and IDOT and includes construction of new ramps connecting 88th/Cork Avenue to the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) along with local roadway improvements.

Work in 2023 includes continued construction of the 88th/Cork Avenue Bridge over I-294, as well as the new northbound exit ramp from I-294 to 88th/Cork Avenue.

Work is scheduled to begin in 2022 and be complete by the end of 2025.

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FINAL CONFIGURATION MAP

88th/Cork Avenue Interchange Project Map
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Construction Update (3/21/24)

All traffic on 88th/Cork Avenue is currently shifted onto the northbound side of the bridge and reduced to one lane in each direction to allow for the removal and reconstruction of the southbound side of the bridge.

Traffic is scheduled to remain in this configuration through summer. 

Please check the Daily Construction Alert for up-to-date closure information.

Customer Impacts

Electronic message signs and construction signage will be put in place in advance to alert drivers to scheduled bridge closures, traffic patterns and work zone speed limits.

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.

Purpose

The 88th/Cork Avenue Interchange Project is compatible with Cook County’s long-range Invest in Cook Initiative to encourage business development and growth by improving freight and traffic connections across the county.

The new interchange will be part of an enterprise zone created by the Village of Justice and will encourage new construction and support job creation in the village, as well as opening up an entryway to Justice and other surrounding communities to relieve traffic congestion and provide easier access to destinations including SeatGeek Stadium.

Local Coordination

In partnership with the Illinois Tollway and Illinois Department of Transportation, the Village of Justice lead the project's design and the Illinois Tollway and Cook County will be constructing the project improvements.

Consistent with the Tollway’s Interchange and Roadway Cost-Sharing Policy requiring local communities to cover no less than half the cost of interchange improvements, the local share of the $39 million project will be funded by Cook County and the Village of Justice.

As part of the local funding component, the Village of Justice and Cook County partnered together and collaborated with the Illinois Tollway to receive a grant from the Illinois Competitive Freight Program for $13.44 million to be used for right-of-way acquisition for the new interchange.

Work Zone Safety

The Illinois Tollway is committed to ensuring that the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) 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.