IL Tollway Eyes 45-Cent Toll Hike Under $26.5B Transportation Plan

Drivers could pay about 45 cents more per toll beginning in 2027 under a proposal to fund major roadway improvements across Northern Illinois.

The Illinois Tollway has unveiled a proposed $26.5 billion capital program that would fund major roadway improvements across Northern Illinois through 2042 and be paid for in part through the first passenger toll increase in 15 years, according to a news release from the Illinois Tollway.

The 15-year "Driving Connections" program would invest in roadway expansions, interchange improvements, bridge reconstruction and technology upgrades throughout the Tollway's 294-mile system. To help fund the work, the Tollway is proposing an increase of around 45 cents per toll for passenger vehicles using I-PASS and a roughly 30 percent increase for commercial vehicles, according to the news release.

Tollway officials said the program is designed to reduce congestion, improve travel reliability and support economic growth throughout the region. The agency estimates Chicago-area drivers spend about 100 hours each year stuck in traffic, costing an average of $1,800 annually in lost time.

"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,” Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse said. “Driving Connections reinforces that mission by putting people first and ensuring our customers – and our state – are positioned for long‑term success."

Major projects include improvements along Interstate 90, Interstate 88, Interstate 355 and Interstate 294, as well as improvements to the Illinois Route 390 and I-490 corridor near O'Hare International Airport, according to a news release.

Planned work includes widening congested roadway segments, reconstructing aging bridges, adding new interchanges and expanding SmartRoad technology.

Among the largest investments are $6.63 billion for the Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355), $3.53 billion for the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88), $3.07 billion for the North Tri-State Tollway (I-94/I-294) and $2.6 billion for the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90).

The proposal would also establish automatic toll adjustments every other year beginning in 2029 based on inflation and the Consumer Price Index, according to the news release.

Public Hearings Planned

The Tollway board approved moving forward with public hearings across its 12-county service area before any final

• July 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Lake County, Greenbelt Cultural Center – Banquet Hall, 1215 Green Bay Road, North Chicago
• July 14, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Cook County, Roosevelt University Schaumburg – Zurich Alumni Hall, 1400 N. Roosevelt Boulevard, Schaumburg
• July 14, 6-8 p.m., McHenry County, Huntley Park District Rec Center – Theatre, 12015 Mill Street, Huntley
• July 15, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., DuPage County, College of DuPage – Student Resource Center, 425 Fawell Boulevared, Glen Ellyn
• July 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Cook County, Markham Park District – Roesner Multipurpose Room, 16053 Richmond Avenue, Markham
• July 16, 6-8 p.m., Lee County, Loveland Community House & Museum – Dining Room, 513 W. Second Street, Dixon
• July 20, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., DeKalb County, Northern Illinois University – Barsema Alumni Hall Ballroom, 231 N. Annie Glidden Road, DeKalb
• July 20, 6-8 p.m., Winnebago County, Rock Valley Community College – Stenstrom Student Center, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford
• July 21, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Whiteside County, Rock Falls Community Building, 601 W. 10th Street, Rock Falls
• July 21, 6-8 p.m., Will County, Lewis University – Flight Deck Building, 101 Airport Road, Romeoville
• July 22, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Kane County, Prisco Community Center, 150 W. Illinois Avenue, Aurora
• July 23, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Ogle County, Luna Rochelle, 531 S. 7th Street, Rochelle
• July 24, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Boone County, Boone County Museum of History – Grand Gallery, 314 S. State Street, Belvidere

For those unable to attend the public hearings, comments can be submitted online through Aug. 3 on the Illinois Tollway website.

If approved, the new toll rates would take effect Jan. 1, 2027.