Roadway Scholars explore Tollway operations and career opportunities at two maintenance sites

2026-11-04

More than 45 high school students got a firsthand look at the people, equipment and technology behind the Illinois Tollway's operations through visits to maintenance facilities in Aurora and Bensenville in October.

Students from Oswego, Oswego East and Maine East high schools participated in facility tours, hands-on activities and conversations with Illinois Tollway employees as part of the Tollway Trailblazers Roadway Scholars event.

The visits offered students an opportunity to explore how the Illinois Tollway maintains its roadways, develops new infrastructure and keeps drivers safe while learning about potential transportation careers in skilled trades and engineering.

“Experiences like this allow students to see career opportunities they may not have considered before," said Robert Payne, a career and technical education teacher at Maine East High School. "Whether they are interested in engineering, design or the skilled trades, they get to see firsthand where those interests can take them and learn from people who have built careers in those fields.”

At the maintenance facilities, students toured garages, explored fleet operations and learned about the equipment and resources crews use to keep the system operating safely and efficiently. They also learned how solar panels support facility operations and visited a salt shed to see how the Illinois Tollway prepares for winter weather.

Students also gained insight into major transportation projects, including the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88) bridge over the Fox River and the new I-490 Tollway near O'Hare International Airport. They learned about the planning, engineering and construction involved in developing infrastructure and the teamwork required to bring these projects to life.

An important part of both visits was the opportunity to connect directly with Illinois Tollway employees. Staff shared their professional experiences, discussed the skills and education needed for different transportation careers and answered questions about opportunities in the industry.

Students also learned about the Illinois Tollway's internship program and how hands-on experience can help them prepare for future careers.

Part of the Tollway Trailblazers initiative, Roadway Scholars events introduce young people to transportation careers in skilled trades and engineering through interactive learning experiences and direct engagement with industry professionals.

By opening its facilities to students and giving employees an opportunity to share their knowledge, the Illinois Tollway is helping the next generation discover the many career paths available in transportation.