I-57/I-294 Interchange Won't Accept Cash

Submitted by the Illinois Tollway

The Illinois Tollway will host three I-PASS roadshow events in August to give residents, business owners and stakeholders opportunities to learn about and provide feedback on the agency’s plans to open the new I-57/I-294 interchange this fall.

This is the first interstate-to-interstate connection on the Tollway system where there is no toll collection point on the mainline roadway for customers who wish to pay cash.

Tollway customers who would like to pay cash to travel between I-294 and I-57 will still be able to do so at the 159th Street Ramp Toll Plaza or via the 163rd Street Toll Plaza. These are the routes currently being used today.

Tollway staff will be on hand at the three events to answer questions about I-PASS and how to avoid toll violations so drivers are prepared for the opening of the new interchange in October and gather input from community members about how the agency can enhance its plans.

I-PASS roadshow events include:

• Aug. 5 at 6 p.m. – Raday Lodge, 3220 W. 145th St., Midlothian

• Aug. 13 at 6 p.m. – Markham City Hall, 16313 S. Kedzie Parkway, Markham

• Aug. 21 at 6 p.m. – Posen Community Center, 14401 Campbell Ave., Posen

This fall, customers who use the I-294/I-57 Interchange without I-PASS will have 30 days from the date of their unpaid toll to pay online – up from seven days on all other parts of the Tollway system. This extended, limited-time offer will expire on December 31, 2014. Beginning January 1, 2015, customers without I-PASS who use the I-294/I-57 Interchange will have seven days to pay their unpaid tolls.

I-PASS rates for the new interchange will be 75 cents for cars and $1.50 for customers who pay their unpaid tolls online. Truck rates will range from $1.50 to $4.00 during daytime hours, with overnight discounts offered.

“We’ve made some changes to ensure that we’re providing the best service possible and we want to share them with our new customers in the Southland and get their feedback,” said Tollway Executive Director Kristi Lafleur. “These events will give us an opportunity to let people know that I-PASS is by far the best way to travel the Illinois Tollway – it’s faster, safer and more convenient and it saves people time and money.”

The new $719 million I-294/I-57 Interchange, the fourth all-electronic interchange on the Tollway system, is part of the Tollway’s 15-year, $12 billion capital program, Move Illinois: The Illinois Tollway Driving the Future. The interchange will create a long-sought connection between two major interstates in the Chicago Southland that will relieve congestion on local routes, enhance economic development and improve overall transportation throughout the region.

Drivers have several options to get an I-PASS transponder, including online via the Tollway’s website at www.illinoistollway.com, by calling 800-UCI-PASS (800-824-7277) on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and weekends from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or in person at one of the Illinois Tollway’s Customer Service Centers or at one of nearly 200 Jewel-Osco store locations in Illinois.

In addition, for the opening of the new I-294/I-57 Interchange, the Tollway is opening a new temporary Customer Service Center at the Secretary of State Office in Midlothian from September through November 2014. This three-month satellite center located in the heart of the Chicago Southland is intended to serve local customers who wish to obtain I-PASS, pay their unpaid tolls or receive other assistance.