Illinois Tollway announces overnight ramp closures and traffic shifts for I-290/I-88 interchange work
The Illinois Tollway announced on March 5 that overnight and long-term ramp closures, along with traffic shifts, will continue throughout March as part of ongoing reconstruction at the I-290/I-88 Interchange at the Tri-State Tollway (I-294). Drivers are advised to expect delays due to these changes.
These closures and lane reductions are necessary to safely accommodate bridge reconstruction while maintaining access for motorists. The westbound I-88 between I-290 and York Road has been shifted to the right, creating a long-term work zone that is expected to remain in place through 2026. Work on the southbound I-294 bridge over the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88) will also continue this month, with up-to-date closure information available on the Daily Construction Alert. All construction activities are subject to weather conditions.
Throughout March, temporary overnight ramp closures with posted detours will occur at multiple interchange ramps connecting I-294, I-290, I-88, and Roosevelt Road. These closures support ongoing pavement repairs, protective shielding installation, bridge reconstruction, pavement removal, and utility work. Detour maps and additional information can be found on the Illinois Tollway’s project page.
Construction highlights for March include overnight lane closures on eastbound I-88 between I-294 and I-290 for bridge beam removal. Full roadway closures lasting up to 15 minutes are scheduled during nighttime hours through the week of March 9. Additional work involves shifting eastbound I-290 traffic onto new pavement south of St. Charles Road and adjusting ramps connecting eastbound I-290 to westbound I-88 and southbound I-294. To complete these shifts, several nights of temporary lane closures will be required.
Ramp and local road closures are being coordinated with state agencies and local municipalities including the Illinois Department of Transportation, Village of Berkeley, Village of Hillside, City of Elmhurst, Village of Oak Brook, Proviso Township, as well as fire and police departments.
The $4 billion Central Tri-State Tollway Project aims to reconstruct and widen the roadway between Balmoral Avenue and 95th Street in order to relieve congestion and update infrastructure for current and future transportation needs. This effort is part of Move Illinois: The Illinois Tollway Driving the Future—a 16-year capital program designed to improve mobility across Northern Illinois without using state or federal funds.