Mile Long Bridge Project
Tri-State Tollway (I-294)
Mile Long Bridge Project
The Mile Long Bridge is a critical piece of infrastructure to the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) corridor as it carries drivers over two major railroads, three water resources and local roads, and over a major distribution center for UPS and Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway.
The Mile Long Bridge Project is scheduled for 2019 through 2023, including construction of two new, wider bridge structures and stormwater and drainage improvements.
Construction Update (11/6/19)
Between 75th Street and I-55 traffic in both directions is shifted to the outside lanes. In addition, southbound traffic between Archer Avenue and the Des Plaines River is shifted to the inside lanes.
Off-system lane closures will also be scheduled as needed for lighting and pavement work.
During new bridge construction, customers will continue to use the existing Mile Long Bridge, and bridge repairs will continue in 2019 and beyond on an as-needed basis.
Please check the Daily Construction Alert for up-to-date closure information.
Construction Site Images
Customer Impacts
Whenever possible, the Tollway uses traffic shifts and shoulders to safely accommodate a work zone and keep as many lanes open during peak hours as were available before construction. The Tollway is committed to maintaining four lanes of traffic in each direction throughout construction of the Mile Long Bridge.
Construction on the new northbound bridge will begin to the east of the existing bridge in summer 2019 and will not impact the existing traffic. Once that is complete, traffic will shift to the new bridge, and the old northbound lanes and structures will be demolished.
Delays and temporary, short-term closures are expected on Santa Fe Drive and Midwest Cargo Road underneath the Mile Long Bridge as construction is underway.
A Regional Solution
The Central Tri-State Tollway is being reconstructed to increase capacity, reduce congestion and improve travel reliability. This work is part of the Tollway’s 15-year, $14 billion capital program, Move Illinois: The Illinois Tollway Driving the Future. More than 220,000 vehicles use this portion of the Tri-State Tollway daily.
A detailed planning and refinement process is underway to complete a design concept for rebuilding the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294). This process includes outreach efforts with customers, communities, businesses and partners to identify regional improvements and continue to refine the design details.
Building Green
The Tollway is committed to “Building Green” and minimizing the environmental impact of construction by reducing, recycling and reusing materials.
Work Zone Safety
The Illinois Tollway is committed to ensuring that the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) remains safe for both drivers and workers during construction, which is part of the agency’s overall commitment to roadway safety.
A 45 mph work zone speed limit is in effect in areas with construction on the Central Tri-State Tollway.
Visit the Tollway's Work Zone Safety page.