Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Project
Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294)
Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Project
Project Overview
The Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) is being reconstructed and widened from Balmoral Avenue to 95th Street to provide congestion relief, reconstruct old infrastructure to meet current and future transportation demand and address regional needs. This 22-mile corridor serves more than 300,000 vehicles daily. The $4 billion project is scheduled from 2018 through 2027.
The Illinois Tollway has undertaken a detailed planning and refinement process to develop design and construction plans for the Central Tri-State Tollway Project. Major components of the project include reconfiguring the I-290/I-88 Interchange at I-294, rebuilding the Mile Long Bridge and the BNSF Railway Bridge, as well as integrating Flex Lanes and SmartRoad technology.
2025 Overview
Work in 2025 includes ongoing roadway and bridge reconstruction, including between I-55 and I-88, to provide six lanes in each direction and between St. Charles Road and Roosevelt Road to provide six southbound lanes and five northbound lanes.
Additional ongoing work this year also includes reconfiguration of the I-290/I-88 Interchange at I-294, including construction of new lanes connecting I-294 to I-290 and I-88.
CONCEPT PLAN
MAP
PROJECT SCHEDULE
MAP
EB ARCHER AVENUE TO SB I-294 RAMP CLOSURE DETOUR
FLAGG CREEK TO OGDEN AVENUE TRAFFIC SHIFTS
OGDEN AVENUE TO CERMAK ROAD TRAFFIC SHIFTS
CERMAK ROAD TO ST. CHARLES ROAD TRAFFIC SHIFTS
ST. CHARLES ROAD TO O'HARE OASIS TRAFFIC SHIFTS
Hinsdale Area Update (9/16/2025)
As part of the Illinois Tollway’s reconstruction and widening of the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) construction activity may have an impact on residential areas adjacent to the Tollway. Work will be performed throughout the day, with overnight and weekend work scheduled as needed. Check here for updates.
Current and upcoming construction will include the following:
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Long-term closures and detours of two ramps connecting westbound Ogden Avenue and the southbound Tri-State Tollway (I-294) are scheduled through fall as part of the Ogden Avenue Interchange Project to improve local access and traffic flow. The ramp from westbound Ogden Avenue to southbound I-294 closed August 14 and a detour is now posted. The ramp from southbound I-294 to westbound Ogden Avenue is scheduled to close and a detour posted beginning September 2. More information is available here.
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The I-294 Pedestrian Bridge connecting Veeck Park and Spring Rock Park is anticipated to be closed during the daytime hours in mid-October for concrete work. The bridge will be open to pedestrian traffic during the overnight hours.
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Construction activity on I-294 mainline between Cermak Road and 55th Street is ongoing and includes roadway construction including pavement removal, noisewall posts and panel installation and right-of-way grading. In addition, bridge construction over Flagg Creek north of 47th Street is ongoing.
The Tollway has coordinated with the Village of Hinsdale throughout the design, planning and construction of this project to reduce the inconvenience this construction project has on local residents and businesses near the Tollway.
Contact our construction communications team via email at 294tristate@getipass.com or our 24/7 construction hotline at 630-246-2930.
Customer Impacts
Shoulder closures and traffic shifts will be used to provide room for a work zone and safely accommodate traffic. Whenever possible, the Tollway uses traffic shifts and shoulders to keep as many lanes open during peak hours as were available before construction.
In addition, lane closures will be scheduled as needed on the Tollway and local roads to complete work.
Construction Update (9/11/25)
Traffic shifts and lane closures are in place throughout the Central Tri-State Tollway corridor throughout the season.
On northbound I-294 between St. Charles Road and North Avenue, traffic is shifted to the left into a counterflow configuration. Traffic is scheduled to remain in this configuration through 2026.
On southbound I-294 between North Avenue and I-55, traffic is shifted into a split configuration with three left lanes operating as express lanes on the I-294 mainline between North Avenue to just past the I-55 Interchange.
Navigating Tri-State Tollway (I-294) construction
Southbound I-294 through traffic can use all lanes. Through traffic, including trucks, should use the express lanes to avoid congestion.
Southbound I-294 traffic exiting to eastbound I-290 or westbound I-88 must enter the two right local lanes north of St. Charles Road. The three left lanes are express lanes and can be used by traffic exiting to Cermak Road, Ogden Avenue and I-55.
Traffic exiting to Ogden Avenue must enter the two right local lanes south of Cermak Road.
Traffic exiting to I-55 must enter the two right lanes at the Hinsdale Oasis.
As an alternate, drivers are encouraged to use westbound Jane Addams Tollway (I-90), eastbound I-290 to southbound Veterans Tollway (I-355), if feasible, to avoid delays along I-294.
Local Roads
On Butterfield Road, traffic is reduced to a single lane in both directions under I-294 between Calvin Avenue and I-290. The closures are scheduled to remain in place through summer 2025.
Ramps
At the I-290/I-88 Interchange at I-294:
- The ramp carrying westbound Roosevelt Road to southbound I-294 is closed. A detour is posted. The ramp is scheduled to remain closed through summer 2025.
- The ramp carrying traffic from westbound I-290 to northbound I-294 is closed. A detour is posted. The ramp is scheduled to remain closed through summer 2025.
- Additional lane and ramp closures are scheduled throughout the year on I-294 and I-290. Detours will be posted.
The ramp from westbound Ogden Avenue to southbound I-294 is closed and a detour is in place.
In conjunction with work at the 88th/Cork Avenue Interchange, the ramp connecting eastbound Archer Avenue to southbound I-294 is closed through 2025. A detour is posted.
Project Links
A Regional Solution
The Central Tri-State Tollway is being reconstructed to increase capacity, reduce congestion and improve travel reliability. This work is part of the Tollway’s 15-year, $14 billion capital program, Move Illinois: The Illinois Tollway Driving the Future. More than 220,000 vehicles use this portion of the Tri-State Tollway daily.
A detailed planning and refinement process is underway to complete a design concept for rebuilding the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294). This process includes outreach efforts with customers, communities, businesses and partners to identify regional improvements and continue to refine the design details.
Noisewalls
In accordance with the Tollway’s Noise Study and Abatement Policy, the Tollway is conducting a noise analysis to help assist the Tollway in identifying areas for additional noise solutions. The policy outlines specific measurements and considerations that all factor into proposed noise abatement measures.
Noise Analysis Reports and Maps
Noisewall Brochure
Common Noise Levels
Work Zone Safety
The Illinois Tollway is committed to ensuring that the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) and local roads remain safe for both drivers and workers during construction, which is part of the agency’s overall commitment to roadway safety.
Work zone speed limits are in effect in all construction zones 24/7 and drivers should continue to watch for changing traffic patterns and use caution, especially when workers are present.
Visit the Tollway's Work Zone Safety page.