Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294)
A Regional Solution
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. As the Tollway moves forward with this planning process, updates on important issue areas and key project elements will continue to be posted to this page.
Proposed Project Timeline
Project Elements
The proposed concept maximizes the value of investments into the Central Tri-State corridor for Tollway customers and the region. Project elements include:
|
|
Links and Resources
| Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Project |
| Additional Outreach Resources |
THE CENTRAL TRI-STATE CONCEPT
The Central Tri-State Concept is one of the early phases of the project’s development. This concept includes findings and draft recommendations being considered and evaluated by the Tollway as it moves forward in the reconstruction of the Central Tri-State.
Status: The Tollway's leadership is committed to fostering environmental responsibility and sustainability in everything the agency does. As part of the planning process for reconstruction of the Central Tri-State, the Tollway is working with local communities and partners to address stormwater issues, improve regional flooding and identify mutually beneficial solutions.
Stormwater and Drainage Memo
Concept Drainage Reports
Concept Drainage Exhibits
Status: DuPage and Cook Counties are now leading access studies for various sections of I-294 in partnership with the Tollway and local municipalities. These studies will analyze travel patterns and evaluate potential new access locations.
Illinois Tollway Interchange and Roadway Cost Sharing Policy
Status: In accordance with the Tollway’s Noise Study and Abatement Policy, the Tollway is conducting a noise analysis to help assist the Tollway in identifying areas for additional noise solutions. The policy outlines specific measurements and considerations that all factor into proposed noise abatement measures.
Noise Analysis Reports and Maps
Noisewall Brochure
Common Noise Levels
Project Videos
Where We've Been
Unique features and need for further improvements
How We Started
Process in evaluating and studying the Central Tri-State
Where We Are Going
Recommended options from the proposed concept phase
Need for The Project
The Tri-State Tollway was originally constructed in 1958. While the northern and southern portions of the Tri-State Tollway have already been reconstructed and improved, the Central Tri-State has continued to make due with repairs multiple times over the years in a patchwork fashion, leaving original pavement and bridge structures in need of critical repairs.
- Continuing frequent patching is costly and highly disruptive to traffic creating additional congestion and unreliable travel times
- Congestion relief is needed to accommodate current and projected traffic growth and increase travel time reliability
- Redesigning the I-290 Interchange can help reduce interstate and local road delays
- Flex Lanes can help accommodate future needs and transit options
- Working together with communities and local agencies, the Tollway can help address stormwater/flooding issues, access, safety, noise, freight and economic opportunities
Central Tri-State Corridor
- 22 miles: Balmoral Avenue to 95th Street
- Carries heaviest volume of passenger and freight traffic on the Tollway
- 2x congestion delays compared to the rest of the system
- Costs drivers $330 million annually in time and fuel
- Connects two international airports
- Integral role in the region’s economy
Where the Conversation Started
Corridor Planning Council
As the Tollway embarks upon this major reconstruction project for the Central Tri-State, the Tollway established the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Corridor Planning Council to help develop a common understanding of the issues and concerns that should be considered as the Illinois Tollway prioritizes its investments. This Council is made up of local elected officials, communities, regional agencies and other key stakeholders.
In addition to the Corridor Planning Council, the Tollway will continue to engage the public in a variety of activities to provide information and answer questions throughout the planning process. Activities may include but are not limited to open houses, public meetings, customer surveys, community briefings and direct engagement with residents and businesses throughout the corridor.
Quick Links
| Archives |
| Findings and Recommendations |
Resources
| Interchange and Roadway Cost Sharing Policy |
| Land Acquisition Policy |
| Sustainability Policy |
| Traffic Generator and Information Signage Guidelines |
| Traffic Noise Study and Abatement Policy |
| Central Tri-State Concept Drawings and Noisewall Location Maps |
|---|
| Concept Drawing and Noisewall Locations Map - I-55 to I-88 |
| Concept Drawing and Noisewall Locations Map - I-88 to O'Hare International Airport |
| Concept Drawing and Noisewall Locations Map - 95th Street to I-55 |