Illinois Tollway mobilizes hot weather patrols to assist customers during extreme heat
The Illinois Tollway announced on July 13 that it has launched 24-hour Hot Weather Patrols to provide rapid roadside assistance for drivers stranded along its system during the extreme heat expected this week.
According to the agency, these special patrols are activated whenever temperatures or heat indexes create hazardous conditions for motorists. The patrols search for stranded drivers and respond to calls made to *999 motorist assistance or Illinois Tollway dispatch. "For a second time this summer we have activated Hot Weather Patrols on the Illinois Tollway to expand our roadway coverage and provide additional assistance to ensure driver safety," said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. "Additional patrols during this dangerously hot weather allow us to rapidly locate any stranded drivers and respond to drivers who call *999 for help as quickly as possible."
The regular Highway Emergency Lane Patrol (H.E.L.P.) trucks operate from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, but at least 12 Hot Weather Patrols are now providing around-the-clock coverage throughout the heat wave. These efforts supplement H.E.L.P. trucks in aiding motorists whose vehicles may be disabled due to empty fuel tanks, flat tires, battery issues, or overheated radiators.
Hot Weather Patrol vehicles are crew cab trucks equipped with arrow boards for directing traffic around stopped vehicles and can transport passengers out of dangerous conditions if needed. During similar activations earlier in the summer, more than 800 customers were assisted across the system.
Drivers needing help should dial *999 and provide their location details such as roadway name, direction of travel, and nearest milepost or crossroad. The agency also offered travel tips including keeping tires properly inflated, ensuring fluid levels are adequate, carrying an emergency kit with water and supplies, refraining from using hand-held phones while driving—which is illegal in Illinois—and slowing down when approaching any vehicle with hazard lights activated.
The Illinois Tollway operates a user-fee system maintaining 294 miles of roadways across 12 counties in Northern Illinois without state or federal funding.