North Avenue at I-294 Interchange Project
I-490 Tollway
North Avenue at I-294 Interchange Project
The North Avenue at I-294 Interchange Project will deliver a new exit ramp from the southbound Tri-State Tollway (I-294) to County Line Road to improve access to North Avenue and Lake Street, as well as reduce congestion and improve traffic flow on existing roadways within the project area.
In partnership with the Illinois Tollway and the cities of Northlake and Elmhurst, Cook County is leading the project's design and will be constructing the local road improvements.
The project is scheduled to be complete in fall 2025.
Cook County Project Information
Construction Update (10/1/25)
At westbound North Avenue, one lane is closed between Railroad Avenue and Northwest Avenue for retaining wall construction. Traffic is scheduled to remain in this configuration through the end of the year.
Westbound Lake Street is closed at I-294 and a detour is posted. Traffic is scheduled to remain in this configuration through 2025.
Customer Impacts
Lane closures and traffic shifts will be necessary to provide a work zone and safely accommodate traffic during construction.
Electronic message signs and construction signage will be put in place in advance to alert drivers to scheduled lane closures, traffic patterns and work zone speed limits.
To accommodate interchange construction, lane closures on local roads will also be needed.
Work Zone Safety
The Illinois Tollway is committed to ensuring that the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) remains 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 at illinoistollway.com.
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Key Project Benefits
- A decrease in travel times by 15 percent to 65 percent including truck traffic.
- Traffic traveling from southbound I-294 to the area is expected to see: a decrease in average traffic by 10 percent to 30 percent.
- A decrease in fuel consumption with an annual average savings of $300.
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