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Overnight Ramp, Lane Closures Scheduled on North Avenue, Lake Street Under the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) in Elmhurst and Northlake

DOWNERS GROVE, IL – Overnight local road and ramp closures are scheduled to begin next week on North Avenue and Lake Street under the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) to accommodate bridge beam placement on the Central Tri-State Tollway Project.

Electronic message signs and construction signage will be put in place in advance to alert drivers to the closures. Up-to-date information regarding lane closures and detours will be available in the Illinois Tollway’s Daily Construction Alert. The temporary closures are necessary to provide a work zone to safely accommodate bridge beam placement. All work is weather dependent.

Beginning the week of December 4 and continuing through the week of December 11, overnight lane closures will be scheduled on North Avenue and Lake Street starting at 8 p.m. in both directions with traffic reduced to a single lane at times. Intermittent, full closures of the local roads, each lasting 15 minutes, will begin at midnight.

To accommodate the beam placement work, on northbound I-294 one lane will be closed nightly. In addition, on I-290 lane closures in both directions and 15-minute full closures of the ramp connecting westbound I-290 to eastbound Lake Street/North Avenue will also begin at 1 a.m. when overnight work is scheduled.

All lanes and ramps will reopen by 5 a.m. the following morning.

If bridge beam work cannot be completed during this time additional nights of closures will be scheduled as weather permits.

Ongoing overnight lane closures are scheduled to continue into 2024 on these roadways for construction associated with the reconstruction and widening of the Central Tri-State Tollway and the construction of the I-490/I-294 Interchange.

Construction in this area is being coordinated with the Illinois Department of Transportation, Cook County, City of Elmhurst and City of Northlake, as well as local fire and police departments.

Construction updates, project information, maps and detour information for work that is part of the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Project are available in the Projects section on the Tollway’s website at www.illinoistollway.com.

The $4 billion Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Project is reconstructing and widening the roadway between Balmoral Avenue and 95th Street to provide congestion relief, update old infrastructure to meet current and future transportation demand and address regional needs. 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 the Central Tri-State Tollway daily.

Work Zone Safety

Construction 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.

The Illinois Tollway reminds motorists that the “Move Over Law” requires motorists to change lanes or to slow down and proceed with caution when passing any vehicle on the side of the road with hazard lights activated. If you see flashing lights ahead, please move over or slow down.

Illinois State Police have zero tolerance for drivers speeding in work zones or failure to comply with the Move Over Law. The minimum penalty for speeding in a work zone is $250 with up to a $25,000 fine and a 14-year jail sentence for hitting a roadway worker. Penalties for failure to slow down or move over for a vehicle on the shoulder with flashing lights includes up to a $10,000 fine, 2-year suspension of driving privileges and jail time, in extreme cases.

About Move Illinois

The Illinois Tollway’s 15-year, $14 billion capital program, Move Illinois: The Illinois Tollway Driving the Future, is improving mobility, relieving congestion, reducing pollution, creating as many as 152,000 jobs and linking economies throughout the region. The first 11 years of Move Illinois are on schedule and within budget, delivering the rebuilt and widened Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) as a state-of- the-art 21^st century corridor and opening a new interchange connecting the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) to I-57. Progress continues on projects addressing the remaining needs of the existing Tollway system, delivering the Elgin O’Hare Western Access Project and reconstruction of the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294).

About the Illinois Tollway

The Illinois Tollway is a user-fee system that receives no state or federal funds for maintenance and operations. The agency maintains and operates 294 miles of roadways in 12 counties in Northern Illinois, including the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88), the Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355), the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90), the Tri-State Tollway (I-94/I-294/I-80) and the Illinois Route 390 Tollway.

12/1/2023 4:27 PM (Updated 12/1/2023 4:27 PM)

U.S. 150 lane closure to extend across McClugage

PEORIA – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that the eastbound U.S. 150 lane closure near the McClugage Bridge in Peoria will be extended across the bridge Dec. 4.

This lane closure will require all ramp traffic from Illinois 29 to stop prior to merging onto the bridge and is expected to be removed before 3 p.m.

Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. To avoid the work area, when feasible, use of alternate routes should be considered. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment.

For more information on IDOT projects, click here. For IDOT District 4 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict4 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com and www.gettingaroundpeoria.com.

12/1/2023 4:19 PM (Updated 12/1/2023 4:19 PM)

GRAND AVENUE LANE CLOSURES AND DETOURS SCHEDULED UNDER THE TRI-STATE TOLLWAY (I-294) NEAR FRANKLIN PARK

Overnight closures needed to safely accommodate I-294 bridge beam removal

DOWNERS GROVE, IL – Overnight roadway closures and detours are scheduled next week on Grand Avenue underneath the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) in Franklin Park to accommodate bridge beam removal for reconstruction and widening of the Central Tri-State Tollway.

Electronic message signs and construction signage will be put in place in advance to alert drivers. Full roadway closures and detours are necessary to safely provide a work zone and accommodate traffic as the Tollway rebuilds the I-294 bridge carrying traffic over Grand Avenue. Up-to-date closure information will be posted on the Tollway website in the Daily Construction Alert. All work is weather dependent.

On Monday, December 4, beginning at 7 p.m. and continuing until 6 a.m. on Tuesday, December 5, lane closures in both directions are scheduled on Grand Avenue between Northwest Avenue and County Line Road, with detours scheduled to begin at 9 p.m.

Detours for both eastbound and westbound Grand Avenue traffic will be posted during the overnight roadway closures:

Westbound Grand Avenue traffic will be detoured south on Mannheim Road (U.S. Route 12/U.S. Route 45), west on North Avenue (Illinois Route 64) and north on Kingery Highway (Illinois Route 83) to access Grand Avenue at Lake Street (U.S. Route 20).
Eastbound Lake Street (U.S. Route 20) traffic destined to Eastbound Grand Avenue will be detoured south on Kingery Highway (Illinois Route 83) via the Lake Street on ramp and then east on North Avenue (Illinois Route 64) and north on Mannheim Road (U.S. Route 12/U.S. Route 45) to access eastbound Grand Avenue.

On northbound I-294 at Grand Avenue, nightly single lane closures will be scheduled to move construction equipment in advance of and following bridge beam removal, as well as throughout the bridge beam removal work.

If bridge beam removal work cannot be completed during this time, additional nights of closures and detours will be scheduled overnight on Tuesday, December 5 and Wednesday, December 6.

Construction in this area is being coordinated with the Illinois Department of Transportation, Cook County, DuPage County, the City of Elmhurst, the City of Northlake and the Village of Franklin Park, as well as local fire and police departments.

Reconstruction and widening work on the Central Tri-State Tollway between Balmoral Avenue and St. Charles Road began in June 2018 and is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2024. Work in this northern section of the Central Tri-State includes repairing, resurfacing and widening I-294 between Balmoral Avenue and St. Charles Road along with improvements to medians, bridges and ramps, as well as reconstructing the inside shoulders to include Flex Lanes.

Work in this section also includes construction of the new I-490/I-294 Interchange with two new ramp bridges that will provide access for the new I-490 Tollway and a new southbound exit ramp from I-294 to County Line Road between Grand Avenue and North Avenue. Improvements as part of this project also include guardrail, drainage, lighting and signage installation, as well as landscaping improvements.

The $4 billion Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Project is reconstructing and widening the roadway between Balmoral Avenue and 95thStreet to provide congestion relief, update old infrastructure to meet current and future transportation demand and address regional needs. 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 the Central Tri-State Tollway daily.

Work Zone Safety

Construction 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. On I-294, a 45 mph work zone speed limit is in effect throughout the construction season.

About Move Illinois

The Illinois Tollway’s 15-year, $14 billion capital program, Move Illinois: The Illinois Tollway Driving the Future, is improving mobility, relieving congestion, reducing pollution, creating as many as 152,000 jobs and linking economies throughout the region. The first 11 years of Move Illinois are on schedule and within budget, delivering the rebuilt and widened Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) as a state-of-the-art 21st century corridor and opening a new interchange connecting the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) to I-57. Progress continues on projects addressing the remaining needs of the existing Tollway system, delivering the Elgin O’Hare Western Access Project and reconstruction of the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294).

About the Illinois Tollway

11/30/2023 4:49 PM (Updated 11/30/2023 4:49 PM)

Water main work requires overnight lane closures on Ashland Avenue at 138th Street***11.28.23 UPDATE***

11/28/23 UPDATE:

Due to utilities additional time is needed. We anticipate the work will be completed and the lanes will reopen by the end of the day.

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that as part of ongoing improvements on Wood Street/Ashland Avenue, the installation of a new water main on Ashland Avenue at 138th Street, in Riverdale, will require lane closures, down to a single lane with flaggers at the intersection, weather permitting, from 6 p.m. tonight, Monday, Nov. 27, to 6. a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28.

An alternative route is Halsted, 147th (Sibley Boulevard) and 127th streets.

Motorists also should continue to expect various intermittent daytime lane closures on Wood Street/Ashland Avenue between 138th and 161st streets for watermain replacement and roadway reconstruction. At least one lane of traffic will remain open in each direction. Access to local residences and businesses will be maintained throughout the project.

The overall $98.9 million improvement project will completely rebuild Wood Street/Ashland Avenue, from 138th Street, in Riverdale, to 161st Street, in Harvey, passing through Dixmoor, to include new curbs, gutters and lighting. The project will also improve capacity, modernize traffic signals and turn lanes, implement smoother and safer railroad crossings and include landscaping and aesthetic enhancements. The bridge over the Little Calumet River will be rehabilitated and a new multi-use path on the west side of Wood Street, between 144th and 149th streets will be built. Additionally, a new storm sewer system will be installed, and municipal water mains will be replaced.

The entire project is expected to be completed in late 2024.

11/27/2023 9:30 AM (Updated 11/28/2023 11:06 AM)

Long-Term Traffic Shifts Begin This Week on Southern Section of Central Tri-State (I-294) Project

Winter work scheduled to continue between 95th Street and I-55 as weather permits

DOWNERS GROVE, IL – The Illinois Tollway has begun work to shift traffic into winter configuration on the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Project’s southern section between I-55 and 95th Street to accommodate the continuation of construction work as weather allows. Overnight lane closures will be needed to complete these traffic shifts.

Electronic message signs and construction signage will be put in place in advance to alert drivers to changes in traffic patterns. Up-to-date information regarding closures will be available in the Illinois Tollway’s Daily Construction Alert. All work is weather dependent.

Traffic shifts on I-294 are underway and scheduled to be completed in segments throughout November and December. Work to shift traffic will take place during overnight and off-peak daytime hours to minimize the impact on drivers and is dependent on the weather.

Beginning the weekend of Friday, November 17, traffic in both directions between LaGrange Road and I-55 is scheduled to begin shifting back into its normal lane configuration.

Once that shift is complete, northbound traffic between 95th Street and the 83rd Street Toll Plaza is scheduled to shift back into its normal lane configuration. Southbound traffic in this area is already in its normal lane configuration.

Traffic will remain in this configuration until spring 2024. Five lanes of traffic will be maintained through winter in both directions on I-294 between 95th Street and I-55.

Road reconstruction and bridge work are scheduled to continue over the winter through the entire southern segment of the Central Tri-State Project between I-55 and 95th Street.

Construction in this area is being coordinated with the Illinois Department of Transportation, Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways, Village of Bridgeview, City of Hickory Hills, Village of Justice, City of Countryside, Village of Willow Springs, as well as local fire and police departments.

Work in south section of the Central Tri-State Project between I-55 and 95th Street includes rebuilding and widening the roadway to five lanes in both directions, including construction of new I-294 bridges over I-55, Flagg Creek, 87th Street and Roberts Road, as well as reconstructing roadway shoulders including adding Flex Lanes. Construction in the southern section of Central Tri-State Tollway Project started in 2019 with the Mile Long Bridge Project and is scheduled for completion in 2024.

The $4 billion Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Project is reconstructing and widening the roadway between Balmoral Avenue and 95thStreet to provide congestion relief, update old infrastructure to meet current and future transportation demand and address regional needs. 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 the Central Tri-State Tollway daily.

11/17/2023 10:18 AM (Updated 11/17/2023 10:18 AM)

US-12 traffic shift at M-51 in Niles starts tomorrow

Fast facts:

US-12 traffic will be shifted to ramps and temporary crossovers at M-51 in Niles as the interchange rebuilding project continues.

The $27 million investment started last month, with the anticipated completion in October 2024.

This project will replace the existing US-12/M-51 interchange with a signalized, at-grade intersection with indirect left turns.

KALAMAZOO, Mich. - As part of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) project to rebuild the US-12/M-51 interchange in Niles, Berrien County, crews will shift US-12 traffic to new temporary ramps and crossovers Friday, Nov. 17, and crews will begin removing the existing US-12 pavement and earth embankments in preparation for the bridge removal, which is anticipated to happen in the spring.

During the traffic shift, US-12 will be down to one lane in each direction at M-51. Eastbound US-12 traffic will use temporary ramps and a newly placed traffic signal, while westbound US-12 traffic will use crossovers, temporary ramps, and a newly placed traffic signal.

Northbound and southbound M-51 will remain in the current alignment with short-term lane closures.

This $27 million investment includes removing the US-12 bridges and ramps at M-51 and replacing the interchange with a signalized, at-grade intersection and indirect left turns, or Michigan Lefts. The project includes repaving and rebuilding 1 mile of US-12 and 2.7 miles of M-51, concrete pavement repairs, sidewalk construction, new traffic signals, pavement markings, and new signs.

Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 383 jobs.

11/16/2023 11:54 AM (Updated 11/16/2023 11:56 AM)

ITRCC Announces Completion of Northwest Indiana Bridge Rehabilitation Prject

ELKHART, INDIANA (November 16, 2023) – ITR Concession Company LLC (ITRCC) is announcing that all mainline construction activities on the Northwest Indiana Bridge Rehabilitation Project will be completed on November 19th. Key project milestones will be met and all major traffic restrictions will be lifted as of this date.

This project took nine months to construct and included the rehabilitation of 18 bridges. Six bridges are in the area of the Westpoint Toll plaza and 12 bridges are in the vicinity of exit 10 in Gary, Indiana.

Construction crews will remain within the project area for the next several months but with minimal impact to mainline travel. An upgrade to the lighting infrastructure within the project area is planned for later this winter; Short-term lane ramp restrictions may be needed to complete these remaining components of the project.

While the construction crews remain on site, ITRCC reminds travelers to continue to drive diligently.

“We appreciate the public’s patience throughout 2023 as we delivered millions of dollars in improvements to this critical piece of infrastructure, improving road safety and the customer experience, “says Rick Fedder, Chief Operating Officer of ITRCC.

About the Indiana Toll Road

In operation since 1956, the Indiana Toll Road stretches 157 miles across the northernmost part of Indiana. Connecting areas from Ohio to the Illinois State Line, it links Chicago with the largest cities on the eastern seaboard. The Indiana Toll Road – managed by ITR Concession Company LLC (ITRCC) – has nearly 300 employees dedicated to operating a safe and efficient roadway that serves thousands of patrons every day.

For current traffic and construction updates visit www.indianatollroad.org or follow us at @IndianaTollRoad on Facebook or X (Twitter).

11/16/2023 9:24 AM (Updated 11/16/2023 10:41 AM)

Winchester Road Construction Update

Construction on our Winchester Road project is looking good!

The west section between IL 83 and US 45 is 99 percent complete - only minor signal work and road striping remains.

The east section between Butterfield Road and IL 21 is trending towards completion before the winter weather stoppage. The final concrete and paving work is in progress and is expected to be completed soon. Please continue to watch for workers and trucks entering and leaving the job sites, and possible lane closures.

LCDOT will return next spring to construct the new multi-use path on Winchester Road between IL 21 and the Libertyville Bike Path that extends from Butler Lake.

Learn more about the project

11/14/2023 1:03 PM (Updated 11/16/2023 10:52 AM)

Outbound I-55 over Illinois 53 lane changes in Bolingbrook

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that as part of the ongoing reconstruction of the Interstate 55 bridge over Illinois 53, in Bolingbrook, a stage change is scheduled to take place on outbound I-55 beginning, weather permitting, Friday, Nov. 17.

To facilitate the stage change, starting at 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, lane closures are scheduled to take place on outbound I-55 approaching Illinois 53. The ramps will not be impacted and at least one outbound lane will remain open at all times. The lanes that were closed overnight will reopen by 5 a.m. Friday, when the new traffic pattern will be in place.

In the new configuration, there will continue to be three outbound lanes and ramps remain the same. The three outbound I-55 lanes approaching Illinois 53 will split. The two right outbound lanes will shift slightly to the right onto the new pavement, while the left outbound lane will remain shifted over to the inbound side (separated by barrier wall) and will merge back over to the outbound side after the bridge.

Additionally, during this stage of construction there will be no shoulders throughout the work zone in both directions of I-55. Entrances, exits and inbound I-55 will remain the same.

The new configuration will allow work to continue on the outbound portion of the bridge and is estimated to remain in place through the end of the year.

11/13/2023 10:16 AM (Updated 11/13/2023 10:16 AM)

Inbound Kennedy ramp closures

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that as part of the ongoing rehabilitation of the inbound Kennedy Expressway (Interstate 90/94), from the Edens Expressway (Interstate 94) junction to Ohio Street, ramp closures are scheduled to take place beginning, weather permitting, Monday, Nov. 13.

The closures are needed to accommodate ongoing bridge rehabilitation and ramp repairs. Starting at 6 a.m. Monday, the following ramps will close:

Inbound Kennedy to Division Street, anticipated to reopen in two weeks.
North Avenue (Illinois 64) to inbound Kennedy, anticipated to reopen in two weeks.

Current ramp closures:

Inbound Kennedy to Armitage Avenue, anticipated to reopen the week of Nov. 13
Inbound Kennedy to North Avenue, anticipated to reopen the week of Nov. 20.
Armitage Avenue to inbound Kennedy, anticipated to reopen the week of Nov. 20.

Motorists should follow the posted detours.

Additional ramp closures with detours will be required to complete the project. Details, schedules and impacts to traffic will be shared in advance, closer to the individual closure dates.

The overall inbound Kennedy project is anticipated to be completed late fall, with all lanes and ramps reopening and the express lanes resuming normal operations. The express lanes will be worked on in 2024, with the project focused on the outbound Kennedy in 2025.

Motorists should continue to expect lane shifts, overnight lane closures and significant delays and to allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and be on the alert for workers and equipment. Public transportation and traveling during non-peak hours are recommended if possible.

For more information on the project, visit https://idot.illinois.gov/projects/Interstate-90-Kennedy-Bridge-Study. The website features project details, maps, photos and fact sheets. The public can email questions to DOT.KennedyRehab@illinois.gov. For systemwide traffic and road conditions, visit www.gettingaroundillinois.com. You also can follow IDOT on Facebook and Twitter.

11/9/2023 10:50 AM (Updated 11/25/2023 10:29 AM)

Long-Term Ramp Closure and Detour Rescheduled at Ogden Avenue Interchange on Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294)--Update

Ramp closure required to reconstruct the Ogden Avenue access ramp to northbound I-294 on Ogden Avenue 

DOWNERS GROVE, IL – A long-term closure and detour are rescheduled to begin this weekend and continue into December on the ramp connecting Ogden Avenue to the northbound Central Tri‐State Tollway (I‐294) for ramp reconstruction work as part of the Ogden Avenue Interchange Project.

In addition, the ramp connecting northbound I-294 to eastbound Ogden Avenue, which has been closed since September, is scheduled to reopen in advance of the new ramp closure. 

Electronic message signs and construction signage will be put in place in advance to alert drivers to lane closures on I-294 and the ramp closure and detour. Up-to-date closure and detour information will be posted on the Tollway website and in the Daily Construction Alert. All work is weather dependent. 

On Sunday, November 5, overnight lane closures on Ogden Avenue and I-294 are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. to prepare for the ramp closure. One lane in each direction on Ogden Avenue and one northbound lane on I-294 between 47th Street and Ogden Avenue are scheduled to close at 7 p.m. A second lane on northbound I-294 is scheduled to close at 10 p.m. All lanes are scheduled to reopen by 5 a.m. on Monday, November 6.

In addition, at 7 p.m. on Sunday, November 5, the ramp connecting Ogden Avenue to northbound I-294 is scheduled to close. For westbound Ogden Avenue traffic, a detour will be posted routing traffic through the interchange to access northbound I-294. Eastbound Ogden Avenue will access northbound I-294 via the old loop ramp, which will be temporarily reopened during this work for both detours.

The ramp connecting westbound and eastbound Ogden Avenue to northbound I-294 is scheduled to reopen in December.