Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Project
Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294)
Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Project
Project Overview
The Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) is being reconstructed and widened from Balmoral Avenue to 95th Street to provide congestion relief, reconstruct old infrastructure to meet current and future transportation demand and address regional needs. The project is scheduled from 2018 through 2026. This 22-mile corridor serves more than 300,000 vehicles daily. The $4 billion project is scheduled from 2018 through 2026.
The Illinois Tollway has undertaken a detailed planning and refinement process to develop design and construction plans for the Central Tri-State Tollway Project. Major components of the project include reconfiguring the I-290/I-88 Interchange at I-294, rebuilding the Mile Long Bridge and the BNSF Railway Bridge, as well as integrating Flex Lanes and SmartRoad technology.
2024 Overview
Construction in 2024 will continue mainline reconstruction and widening between Wolf Road and I-55, and the new roadway between I-55 and 95th Street is scheduled for completion.
Ongoing work this year also includes reconfiguration of the I-290/I-88 Interchange at I-294. and construction of the new interchange at 88th/Cork Avenue is continuing. In addition, ramp improvements at the Ogden Avenue Interchange are scheduled to be complete.
Central Tri-State Tollway
Visualization of Corridor Improvements
CONCEPT PLAN
MAP
EB ARCHER AVENUE TO SB I-294 RAMP CLOSURE DETOUR
Hinsdale Area Update (08/21/2024)
As part of the Illinois Tollway’s reconstruction and widening of the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) construction activity may have an impact on residential areas adjacent to the Tollway. Work will be performed throughout the day, with overnight and weekend work scheduled as needed. Check here for updates.
Current and upcoming construction will include the following:
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Earth excavation and installation of Harding Road underground stormwater detention is ongoing. Heavy equipment will be working on site and residents may notice some increased noise and construction may occur on weekends.
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Installation of the permanent access control fence around the Peirce Park box culvert is underway. Contractors will access the site from Mills Street. Work is being coordinated with the Village of Hinsdale and Hinsdale Little League.
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Relocation of the 55th Street watermain is ongoing. Local road closures have been lifted and restoration of the 900 block of Harding Road is complete.
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Roadway construction activity on the I-294 mainline in August will include concrete pavement breaking and removal, saw cutting and milling, earth excavation and grading, storm sewer and drainage installations, noisewall post/panel installation (Harding Road to 55th Street), retaining wall construction, Flagg Creek bridge work and pile driving, overhead sign structure installation, ITS work, box culvert installation north of BNSF, permanent lighting installation, during daytime hours. Residents may notice some increased noise and construction may occur on weekends.
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Construction at the Ogden Avenue Interchange is ongoing with retaining wall installation, noisewall removal and temporary pavement. The reconstructed northbound I-294 to eastbound Ogden Avenue ramp is open.
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Storm sewer construction is ongoing at the Mills Street cul-de-sacs between The Lane and Fuller Road. This work requires partial roadway closures and will temporarily limit the turning radius on the cul-de-sacs in the 500 and 600 blocks of Mills Street. Access to homes and driveways will remain open during construction. In addition, while work is occurring the existing wooden fence has been replaced with a temporary chain-link fence with site screen. The wooden fence will be reinstalled after construction of the storm sewer has been completed. Local access will be required for fence removal and installation and pavement restoration. Storm sewer work will occur from the Tollway side, and contractors will not be allowed to park on local streets during the construction.
The Tollway has coordinated with the Village of Hinsdale throughout the design, planning and construction of this project to reduce the inconvenience this construction project has on local residents and businesses near the Tollway.
Contact our construction communications team via email at 294tristate@getipass.com or our 24/7 construction hotline at 630-246-2930.
Customer Impacts
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.
In addition, lane closures will be scheduled as needed on the Tollway and local roads to complete work.
Construction Update (8/22/24)
Traffic shifts and lane closures are in place throughout the Central Tri-State Tollway corridor throughout the season, including:
- Between St. Charles Road and Butterfield Road, southbound traffic shifts into a split configuration with two left lanes continuing on the I-294 mainline and two right lanes on auxiliary lanes providing access to exit ramps for eastbound I-290 and for westbound I-88 before reconnecting with the southbound I-294 mainline.
- Between I-55 and Wolf Road, traffic is shifted in both directions with northbound counterflow lanes between Roosevelt Road and Wolf Road. Watch for signage indicating changing traffic patterns.
- Between 159th Street and I-80, traffic is shifted in both directions with a split configuration on the southbound side. Southbound traffic exiting to I-80 must be in the far-right lane before the split.
Local Roads
On Butterfield Road, traffic is reduced to a single lane in both directions under I-294 between Calvin Avenue and I-290. The closures are scheduled to remain in place through 2024.
Ramps
At the I-290/I-88 Interchange at I-294:
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The ramp carrying traffic from westbound I-290 to northbound I-294 is closed. A detour is posted. The ramp is scheduled to remain closed through the end of 2024.
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The ramp carrying westbound Roosevelt Road to southbound I-294 is closed. A detour is posted. The ramp is scheduled to remain closed through the end of 2024.
- Additional lane and ramp closures are scheduled throughout the year on I-294 and I-290. Detours will be posted.
In conjunction with work at the 88th/Cork Avenue Interchange, the ramp connecting eastbound Archer Avenue to southbound I-294 is closed through 2025. A detour is posted.
St. Charles Road to O'Hare Oasis
Traffic Shifts
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.
Noisewalls
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
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.
Visit the Tollway's Work Zone Safety page.