The Illinois Tollway has unveiled a 15-year, $26.5 billion capital program that will generate decades of roadway, bridge and interchange construction projects across northern Illinois while modernizing one of the nation’s busiest transportation networks.
Dubbed “Driving Connections,” the initiative will fund projects from 2027 through 2042 and create a long-term pipeline of work for heavy civil contractors through corridor widenings, bridge replacements, interchange upgrades and expanding SmartRoad technology infrastructure.
The plan spans all five tollway corridors and the agency’s 294-mi. system, with investments designed to reduce congestion, improve freight mobility and strengthen transportation connections throughout a 12-county region.
Officials said the program will create thousands of engineering and construction jobs while supporting suppliers, equipment dealers and subcontractors throughout Illinois.
“The Illinois Tollway is more than just roadways — it’s a vital lifeline that connects people to the jobs, goods, healthcare, housing and opportunities they need to thrive,” said Cassaundra Rouse, executive director. “Driving Connections reinforces that mission by putting people first and ensuring our customers — and our state — are positioned for long-term success.”
Widening Projects Lead Construction Program
The largest investment, totaling $6.63 billion, is planned for the Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355). Work will include improvements to the I-355/I-88 interchange as well as widening segments between Interstate 55 and Army Trail Road to relieve congestion and improve traffic flow.
The Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88) will receive $3.53 billion in improvements, including construction of a new western access point, reconstruction from Illinois Route 56 to Illinois Route 251 and rehabilitation and widening work between the Aurora Toll Plaza and the Eisenhower Expressway.
The North Tri-State Tollway (I-94/I-294) is slated for $3.07 billion in roadway rehabilitation and bridge reconstruction between Balmoral Avenue and the Edens Spur. The corridor also will undergo early design work for future improvements at the I-294/I-90 interchange.
Along the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90), the agency plans to invest $2.6 billion in roadway upgrades stretching from Elgin to the Kennedy Expressway. Projects include 8 mi. of new SmartRoad infrastructure, expansion of the Lee Street interchange and reconstruction of aging bridges and roadway segments between Rockford and Elgin.
The South Tri-State Tollway (I-294/I-80) will receive $2.39 billion in roadway repairs, bridge reconstruction and targeted widening projects between Illinois Route 394 and 159th Street. The corridor also will receive 5 mi. of SmartRoad infrastructure.
The Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) is scheduled for $1.87 billion in improvements, including roadway and bridge reconstruction from Balmoral Avenue to Wolf Road, construction of a full interchange at Irving Park Road and design work for a new bridge spanning the Bensenville Railroad Yard.
An additional $830 million will fund improvements along Illinois Route 390 and I-490 through a joint effort with the Chicago Department of Aviation. The work includes parking facilities, security screening infrastructure near the Illinois Route 390/I-490 interchange and rehabilitation of original portions of the Illinois Route 390 corridor.
Contractors Could See Steady Pipeline of Work
The size and duration of the program are expected to create substantial opportunities for heavy civil contractors throughout the region.
Projects will require large volumes of earthmoving, paving, bridge construction and utility work over a 15-year period.
Contractors specializing in interchange construction, bridge replacement, concrete paving, asphalt paving, structural steel installation, drainage systems and intelligent transportation systems likely will see sustained bidding opportunities as projects move through various phases.
The extensive corridor widening projects also are expected to generate demand for excavators, dozers, wheel loaders, articulated trucks, motor graders, compactors, asphalt pavers, milling machines, cranes and bridge construction equipment.
Installation of SmartRoad infrastructure will require contractors experienced in fiber optic systems, communications networks, sensors and intelligent transportation technologies.
Because projects are spread across multiple corridors, the work could create a steady stream of contracts rather than a concentrated burst of activity, allowing contractors to strategically plan equipment purchases, workforce development and fleet replacements over several years.
Technology, Sustainability Projects
Beyond traditional roadway construction, the Tollway has earmarked $5.57 billion for systemwide investments.
Those projects include sustainability initiatives, modernization of maintenance facilities and upgrades to back-office systems that support I-PASS operations and open-road tolling technology.
Funding also will support interagency partnerships through the Corridor Opportunities for Regional Enhancements initiative and collaborative efforts with the Illinois Department of Transportation, Chicago Department of Aviation and local municipalities.
Officials said the capital program was developed around five goals: strengthening long-term reliability, driving economic growth, maximizing previous investments, expanding regional access and transforming the system through technology.
User-Funded System to Finance Program
The Illinois Tollway plans to pay for the $26.5 billion program through a combination of toll revenues and revenue bonds backed by future toll collections. Unlike many transportation agencies, the Illinois Tollway receives no state or federal tax dollars for maintenance and operations. The agency’s 294-mi. system is entirely funded by its users.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, passenger tolls for I-PASS users would increase by approximately 45 cents per toll, while commercial vehicle toll rates would rise by about 30 percent. Starting in 2029, toll rates also would be adjusted every other year based on inflation using the Consumer Price Index.
Officials said passenger rates would remain below the national average even after the increase, marking the first passenger toll adjustment since 2012.
The agency pointed to previous projects as examples of the benefits generated by long-term investments. Improvements completed along the I-90 corridor in 2017 reduced travel times by approximately 25 minutes, while the I-294/I-57 interchange project reduced travel times by as much as 13 minutes.
The Illinois Tollway said Driving Connections was developed through an extensive public engagement process that included input from a Stakeholder Advisory Team composed of more than 40 leaders representing business, labor, transportation, planning, community organizations and local governments.
Public hearings on the capital program and proposed toll increases will be held throughout July. Public comments will be accepted through Aug. 3, 2026.
Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with projects continuing through 2042.
For more information, visit illinoistollway.com/drivingconnections. CEG
