The Illinois Tollway Board of Directors has approved six new contracts totaling over $30.4 million, marking a major step in launching the first construction and construction management projects under the agency’s 7-year, $2 billion Bridging the Future infrastructure initiative. These contracts also contribute to the Tollway’s broader $1.15 billion capital investment program for 2025.
Move Illinois and Bridging the Future: A Dual Path Forward
In total, the Tollway has greenlit nearly $179.6 million in infrastructure spending so far this year, with $141.3 million tied to the long-running Move Illinois program and $38.3 million allocated to Bridging the Future.
"We are beginning to deliver contracts through Bridging the Future this year and will continue ramping up opportunities as the Move Illinois program enters its final years. We want to ensure our investments remain consistent and that the Tollway continues to be an economic engine for the region."
Illinois Tollway Executive Director | Cassaundra Rouse
Since Move Illinois began in 2012, the Tollway has invested almost $11.8 billion in capital improvements. Of that total, more than $3.1 billion has been awarded to small, diverse, and veteran-owned firms, supporting an estimated 141,500 jobs across the state.
Construction Contracts Approved in May 2025
The latest construction projects focus on essential upgrades to several major corridors:
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$13.3 million to K-Five Construction Corp. for toll plaza improvements along I-90 (Jane Addams Memorial Tollway) between Illinois Route 31 and Illinois Route 59.
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$5.2 million to Foundation Mechanics for drainage improvements along I-94 (Tri-State Tollway) from Atkinson Road to Townline Road.
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$3.3 million to Martinez Frogs Inc. for drainage work near the 75th Street Interchange on I-294.
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$3.1 million to Foundation Mechanics for constructing a southbound entrance ramp at the 88th Avenue/Cork Avenue Interchange on I-294.
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$2.5 million to MYS Inc. for bridge rehabilitation on I-90 between Rockton Road and Rote Road.
Engineering Services Awarded
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$3 million to Lakeshore Engineering for on-call construction management support along I-294 (Tri-State Tollway).
These contracts will drive employment across numerous skilled trades, including:
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Heavy equipment operators
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Utility and drainage installation crews
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Concrete and asphalt workers
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Structural steel and bridge specialists
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Surveyors and field engineers
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Construction project managers and inspectors
Strong Participation from D/M/WBE and Veteran-Owned Businesses
Illinois Tollway News reports that the May contracts include participation from 13 certified disadvantaged, minority-, and women-owned business enterprises (D/M/WBE) and 10 certified veteran-owned firms. D/M/WBE commitments range from 22.7% to 80% per contract, while veteran-owned participation falls between 2.04% and 5%. These efforts reflect the Tollway’s continued dedication to inclusive procurement practices.
Competitive and Transparent Procurement
Construction contracts follow a competitive bidding process governed by the Illinois Procurement Code. Professional engineering service providers are selected based on qualifications in accordance with the Architectural, Engineering, and Land Surveying Qualifications-Based Selection Act (Public Act 87-673). Full transparency is maintained through public broadcasts of board meetings, live bid openings, and updates via the Tollway’s Construction Contract Tracker.
Capital Improvement Programs at a Glance
Move Illinois: Driving the Future
Launched in 2012, the 16-year, $15 billion Move Illinois program has delivered key milestones, including:
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The Illinois Route 390 Tollway
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The rebuilt and expanded I-90 with SmartRoad technology
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A new I-294/I-57 interchange
Ongoing work includes the I-490 Tollway Project and reconstruction of the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294).
Bridging the Future: Preparing for the Next Phase
Approved in December 2024, Bridging the Future is a 7-year, $2 billion plan aimed at sustaining modernization and laying the groundwork for the Tollway’s next long-term capital program. The plan targets infrastructure renewal, workforce engagement, and regional connectivity based on stakeholder input.
About the Illinois Tollway
Operating 294 miles of tollways across 12 counties in Northern Illinois, the Illinois Tollway includes:
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I-88 (Reagan Memorial Tollway)
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I-355 (Veterans Memorial Tollway)
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I-90 (Jane Addams Memorial Tollway)
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I-94/I-294/I-80 (Tri-State Tollway)
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Illinois Route 390 Tollway
The Tollway is a user-funded agency, relying exclusively on toll revenues for operations and infrastructure improvements without state or federal maintenance funding.
With the 2025 construction season underway, the Illinois Tollway continues to lead in infrastructure renewal, job creation, and regional mobility—paving the way for a safer, more efficient transportation network for all of Northern Illinois.
