Tollway Stories & More—2024 Volume 12

Volume 12, 2024

SmartRoad Debuts On Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294)

The Illinois Tollway turned on its latest SmartRoad on the northern section of the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) between Wolf Road and Balmoral Avenue in conjunction with the opening of the new fifth lane for northbound traffic.

The integration of 14 over-the-road SmartRoad gantries providing active traffic management technology coupled with the completion of roadway reconstruction and widening on the northern section of the Central Tri-State Tollway Project are part of the Illinois Tollway's ongoing commitment to improving travel efficiency for Tollway customers as part of the Move Illinois Capital Program.

Congressman Krishnamoorthi Tours I-490 Tollway Progress Paving Way For Western Access To O'Hare

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi joined Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse and other transportation leaders and elected officials to witness firsthand the transformative progress being made on the new I-490 Tollway Project—a key infrastructure project that will open western access to O'Hare International Airport.

The event featured a detailed briefing and exclusive on-site visit to the project's new mainline pavement and bridges constructed to accommodate runway approach lighting equipment on the west side of O’Hare.

Scheduled for completion in 2027, the I-490 Tollway Project will form a vital link between the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) and the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), unlock long-awaited western access to O’Hare and serve as a catalyst for economic development in surrounding communities.

This milestone event highlighted not only the engineering prowess behind the project, but also its broader implications for the future of transportation and economic development in the region.

Contracting with Government Event Opens Doors To Opportunities

Nearly 300 small, diverse and veteran-owned businesses owners attended our Fall Contracting with Government event to explore opportunities for becoming vendors with the Illinois Tollway and other state agencies. The event offered a dynamic platform for attendees to participate in informational sessions, panel discussions and one-on-one consultations designed to demystify the procurement process.

The Contracting with Government event emphasized fostering economic growth and equity by connecting businesses with the tools and resources need to secure goods and services contracts with the Illinois Tollway and other state and local agencies.

Participating agencies included the Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion, the Illinois Department of Central Management Services, the Chief Procurement Office for General Services, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology, Illinois Department of Transportation, Forest Preserves of Cook County and the Chicago Transit Authority.

Drivers Urged To "Get It Together" For Winter Weather

With the days growing shorter and temperatures gradually getting colder, the public is being reminded that it’s time for “Winter Weather – Get it Together.” The Illinois Tollway, Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State Police are prepared for whatever snow-and-ice season has in store, but also are asking motorists to get ready for winter travel over the coming months.

“We’re keeping our customers safe this winter by quickly mobilizing our roadway crews and snowplows whenever winter storms strike and by rapidly responding to drivers who need assistance while traveling on our system,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. “Drivers who become stranded along our roads should dial *999 and then remain with their vehicles until help arrives. We’re asking our customers to help us keep them safe this winter by reducing their speed during severe weather and increasing their distance from other vehicles, especially plows and emergency vehicles.”

Stakeholder Advisory Team Wraps Up Efforts To Shape Next Tollway Capital Plan

The Stakeholder Advisory Team held its fifth and final meeting to wrap up its work advising and providing recommendations to the Illinois Tollway as it develops its next capital plan and provide a framework to advance its long-term goals.

Comprised of leaders representing non-profit, civic, business, labor, environmental, transportation and advocacy organizations representing the 12-county region, the Stakeholder Advisory Team plays a vital role in defining goals and offering regional insights to address mobility, access and economic opportunities.

The team met multiple times from April to November and its findings and recommendations will be formalized in a final report to guide the Tollway’s future investments and initiatives.

Local Leaders Mark Next Phase For 88th/Cork Avenue Interchange Project

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle joined Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse and other local and state transportation leaders and elected officials to celebrate the next chapter of construction on the new 88th/Cork Avenue Interchange Project on the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294).

This $39 million project is a testament to the partnership and collaboration among the Illinois Tollway, Cook County, Village of Justice and the Illinois Department of Transportation.

While Cook County begins its part of the construction, the Illinois Tollway began work on this interchange in June 2022 as part of the larger Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Project – a $4 billion effort to reconstruct and widen I-294 from Balmoral Avenue to 95th Street. Scheduled to be completed by 2026, the 88th/Cork Avenue Interchange Project will address congestion, enhance mobility and support economic growth in southwest Cook County.

Read the news release

New Chicago Southland Visitor Information Center Unveiled On Tollway

Visit Chicago Southland recently unveiled its new Visitor Information Center at the Chicago Southland Lincoln Oasis on the South Tri-State Tollway (I-294/I-80) in South Holland. The grand opening included remarks from Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse, Visit Chicago President and CEO Mary Patchin and other local leaders.

The new Visitor Information Center offers a more vibrant, interactive experience for visitors to the Chicago Southland, with multiple touchscreens showcasing local accommodations, restaurants and attractions. Its 360-degree design features prominent regional landmarks, a staffed information desk and comprehensive collection of area literature to promote the Chicago Southland as a destination for leisure, meetings, sports events and group tours.

Acting Chief of Diversity Honored With Awards for Leadership and Advocacy

Illinois Tollway Acting Chief of Diversity and Strategic Development Marlene Vick has been recognized for her exceptional contributions to diversity, equity and inclusion in the transportation industry with two significant honors.

Marlene was named one of Crain’s Chicago Business 2024 Notable Latino Leaders, highlighting her nearly 17 years of dedicated service at the Illinois Tollway. Marlene has spearheaded transformative programs like the Technical Assistance Program, which provides business coaching for small, diverse, and veteran-owned firms, and her leadership in the Earned Credit Program that has created pathways for underrepresented individuals to start careers in heavy-highway construction.

Marlene also received the 2024 Excellence in Public Administration Award from the U.S. Minority Contractors Association at its Millennium Builders Awards Banquet. This award honors her passionate advocacy for diversity and her efforts to reimagine the build industry. Through her leadership, Marlene has built strong partnerships with industry organizations, driven workforce development initiatives and championed inclusive economic opportunities.