Illinois Tollway Shares Updates at Illinois Traffic Engineering and Safety Conference
Illinois Tollway staff joined transportation professionals from across the state at the 73rd Annual Illinois Traffic Engineering and Safety (TES) Conference to share updates on key Tollway projects.
Hosted by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the annual TES Conference is a premier Midwest meeting where transportation and safety professionals from various sectors – local, state and federal agencies, consulting firms, contracting companies and universities – discuss ideas and issues, gain job-related knowledge and network.
Illinois Tollway Geometrics Engineer Adam Lintner provided an update on the status of the agency’s Move Illinois capital program, focusing on progress of the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Project. This large-scale project is aimed at providing congestion relief, reconstructing old infrastructure to meeting current and future transportation demand and address regional needs.
One of the highlights of the I-294 Project is the opening of a new fifth lane for drivers on the southbound side between Irving Park Road and I-290, marking the completion of major construction between Balmoral Avenue and North Avenue on the Central Tri-State Tollway Project.
Lintner also discussed ongoing investments in the Illinois Tollway’s fiber-optic network and planned improvements to toll plazas, all of which are designed to enhance system efficiency. Lintner showcased ongoing construction on the 163rd Street Toll Plaza on I-294 as an example of how these modernized facilities improve operational efficiencies while, at the same time, meeting the needs of the trucking industry with expanded parking, shore power stations, solar energy and electric vehicle charging stations.
Senior Project Manager Ahmad Nafakh followed with a more detailed presentation on toll plaza improvements. He addressed how these improvements are streamlining operations and preparing the Tollway for future technology enhancements. Future toll plaza upgrades are not only improving the overall driving experience for Tollway customers, but also laying the groundwork for future innovations within the Illinois Tollway system.
The participation of key Tollway staff members at the TES Conference highlights the agency's commitment to innovation, safety and infrastructure development. Their presentations underscored the Tollway’s forward-thinking approach to addressing both current and future transportation needs in Illinois.