Illinois Tollway expects 8.5 million vehicles over Memorial Day weekend

The Illinois Tollway announced on May 20 that it is preparing for an estimated 8.5 million vehicles to travel across its system during the upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend, marking one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

The anticipated surge in traffic signals the start of the summer travel season, with Friday, May 22 expected to be the busiest day as more than 2 million vehicles are projected to use the toll roads. Typically, about 1.7 million vehicles travel daily on the Tollway.

“Memorial Day marks the beginning of the busy summer travel season, and our priority is helping customers travel safely and reliably across the Tollway system,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. “Whether customers are traveling to spend time with family and friends or heading out for the holiday weekend, we encourage everyone to plan ahead, stay alert behind the wheel so we all arrive safely at our destinations.”

To reduce traffic impacts during this period, most temporary maintenance and construction lane closures will be suspended from noon on Friday through Tuesday morning. However, some work may continue behind barriers depending on weather conditions. Drivers are advised to slow down and remain cautious in work zones where ongoing projects could affect traffic patterns.

Travelers can check current road conditions by visiting www.illinoistollway.com or following agency updates on social media platforms. The Illinois Tollway encourages drivers to ensure their I-PASS or Pay By Plate accounts are current before setting out; I-PASS users receive a discount on tolls and can use their transponders in multiple states that accept E-ZPass.

Roadside assistance is available around-the-clock by dialing *999 for help from maintenance crews or through Highway Emergency Lane Patrol (H.E.L.P.), which operates weekdays with support from GEICO. The Official Illinois Tollway App offers mobile account management features including trip planning tools.

The Illinois Tollway maintains nearly 300 miles of roadway in northern Illinois without relying on state or federal funding for operations.