It looks like it is going to be a blockbuster construction season that will try the patience of Chicago and suburban drivers. The region's expressways were largely built in the 1950's and 1960's and the standard lifespan of these facilities is 50 years. Due to lagging investment in the region's road system, improvements are needed almost immediately in several cases.
On the Kennedy Expressway, a massive $150 million dollar, three-year rehabilitation has only just begun. The project includes rehabilitating 36 bridge structures and the reversible lane access control system, replacing overhead sign-structures, installing new signage and modernized LED lights, pavement patching and structural painting. Hubbard's Cave, from Grand Avenue to Wayman Street, will also be painted and new LED lighting will be installed.
On the Central Tri-State Tollway, a very complex rebuild and widening continues. There are a slew of local projects from road resurfacing in Aurora to intersection improvements in Mount Prospect.
Illinois tollway Chief Engineering Officer Manar Nashif stated that this year is anticipated to be the biggest year of the 15-year, $14 billion (Move Illinois) program. According to the Daily Herald, the following are some of the roadway projects in Chicago and its suburbs:
- I-490 will wrap around O'Hare International Airport's west side, connecting with I-90 to the north and I-294 to the south and with Route 390 in the center, once it is extended east.
- Building the I-294/I-490 interchange near Franklin Park.
- Rehabilitating 36 Kennedy Expressway bridges between the Edens Expressway and Oak Street, along with repainting Hubbard's Cave and modernizing the reversible express lanes. It should be completed in 2025 as promised.
LOOKING FOR MORE ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS IN THE CHICAGO AREA?
- The 4 billion Central Tri-State upgrade between Balmoral Avenue and 9th Street will be a huge undertaking.
- The junction of I-88, I-290 and the Tri-State to untangle the constant back ups and should be done by 2026.
- The Longmeadow Parkway project in Kane County is a year away from completion. Workers in 2023 will be removing soil contaminated with lead from a short section east of the Fox River that will be paved next year.
- Continuing work on the last roadway segment to traffic from Route 31 to the Bolz Road Connector Road and the new bridge over the Fox River which should be completed in late 2024.
The Illinois Tollway has always committed to ensuring that its work zones remain safe for both drivers and workers during construction. During the 2023 construction season, the Tollway joins the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Police to remind drivers to be attentive and use extra caution while traveling through the work zones.