New Ramp Opening To Provide Access To North Avenue From The Southbound Tri-State Tollway I-294 Via County Line Road
The Illinois Tollway and Cook County today announced the completion of a new ramp creating access from the south Tri-State Tollway (I-294) at County Line Road as part of improvements to the North Avenue Interchange to reduce congestion and support local business development.
“Expanding local access from the Tollway through ramps like this can have a significant impact on the local and regional economies,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. “I am proud of our partnership with the Cook County, which has allowed us to provide major mobility improvement for local and Tollway travel throughout the area.”
Officials from Cook County, the Illinois Tollway and surrounding communities, including Northlake and Elmhurst, gathered this morning to officially mark completion of major work on the North Avenue Interchange Project with the new County Line Road Ramp scheduled to open to traffic on Saturday, December 20.
“Cook County’s strong partnership with the Illinois Tollway enabled this major connection for freight, commuters and businesses,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “By leveraging our local funds, we are able to bring the benefits of the Tollway’s investments directly into our communities. Government agencies working together benefits all our residents.”
The North Avenue Interchange Project is designed to improve traffic operations at one of the busiest interchanges along I-294, a corridor that serves as a major connection for freight, commuters, and businesses. The area is a critical hub for commercial and industrial activity, particularly within Northlake’s industrial district, where congestion has impacted mobility and travel times.
Without direct access to North Avenue from southbound I-294, drivers have had to rely on the I-290/I-88 Interchange contributing to heavy congestion in the area. The improvements will reduce congestion by adding new connections and improving access between I-294, North Avenue and Lake Street.
More than 5,700 vehicles daily are projected to use the new southbound County Line Road ramp to access North Avenue and Lake Street. I-PASS toll rates for the new County Line Road ramp will be set at 30 cents for cars, and truck rates will range from $1.20 to $3.05 during daytime hours, with overnight discounts offered.
Cook County and the Tollway entered into an intergovernmental agreement to deliver the project including the new ramp built by the Illinois Tollway and local road improvements constructed by Cook County. The project was also coordinated with the Illinois Department of Transportation and local communities including Northlake, Elmhurst, Franklin Park and Bensenville.
In addition to the new ramp, improvements included reconstructing and reconfiguring North Avenue, Northwest Avenue, I-290 Frontage Road and Lake Street, significantly improving traffic flow and safety.
Other highlights of the North Avenue Interchange Project include:
- Reconstruction and widening of the Lake Street Bridge, increasing roadway capacity.
- New direct access from Gateway Road to eastbound North Avenue, improving circulation for local traffic.
- Intersection improvements at North Avenue, Northwest Avenue and I-290 Frontage Road, enhancing capacity and improving safety.
- New signalized intersections and roadway lighting.
- Drainage improvements to help alleviate flooding in the area and on North Avenue during periods of heavy rainfall.