Illinois Tollway begins improvements at six Reagan Memorial Tollway I-88 plazas

The Illinois Tollway announced on March 23 that work will begin at six toll plazas along the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88) in March and April, with lane closures and detours scheduled through 2026 to complete the improvements.

These upgrades are intended to improve traffic flow and mobility for drivers using I-88. Electronic message signs and construction signage will be installed ahead of time to alert motorists about upcoming construction, ramp closures, and detours. Updates will be available on the Illinois Tollway website's Daily Construction Alert. All planned work is dependent on weather conditions.

Construction is set to start at the Highland Avenue Toll Plaza during the week of March 23, reducing eastbound ramps connecting I-88 to Highland Avenue to a single lane. Similar weekly lane closures are planned for toll plazas at Orchard Road, Farnsworth Avenue, and Naperville Road (Freedom Drive) interchanges throughout the year. Additional ramp detours will be necessary as part of these efforts.

The project involves removing existing barrier walls and equipment before installing new tolling infrastructure. Other work includes ramp pavement repairs, shoulder improvements, guardrail upgrades, electrical updates, and new signage. Further plaza projects are scheduled in 2026 at Downers Drive Interchange and Winfield Road Interchange; construction is also set for Illinois Route 31 Interchange next year.

Closures are being coordinated with state transportation officials as well as local county authorities and emergency services in DuPage County, Kane County, Aurora Township, fire departments, and police departments. The enhancements form part of two major capital programs: Move Illinois—a $15 billion initiative spanning sixteen years—and Bridging the Future—a seven-year plan valued at $2 billion approved by the board in December 2024.

Motorists are reminded that speed limits remain enforced around-the-clock within all construction zones; drivers should stay alert for changing traffic patterns especially when workers are present. The "Move Over Law" requires vehicles to change lanes or slow down when passing any vehicle stopped with hazard lights activated; penalties include fines up to $10,000 or even jail time in severe cases.