Illinois Tollway seeks public input on $26.5 billion Driving Connections capital plan
The Illinois Tollway announced on July 13 that it is inviting public feedback on its proposed $26.5 billion, 15-year Driving Connections capital investment plan through a series of hearings across Northern Illinois.
Public hearings will be held from July 13 to July 24 in various counties within the Tollway's 12-county service area. The purpose is to gather input on both the proposed capital improvements and toll rate updates. The agency stated that as a user-funded transportation system, it receives no state or federal tax dollars, and the proposed toll rate changes would support annual maintenance, operations, and debt service for revenue bonds used for these improvements.
Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse said, “Millions of people rely on the Illinois Tollway to get to work, move goods, connect with their communities and support our regional economy. Driving Connections reflects years of thoughtful planning, technical analysis and public engagement. As we move through this public process, we want to hear directly from the people and communities we serve because their feedback is an important part of shaping the future of the Illinois Tollway.”
According to data cited by the agency, previous corridor improvements have reduced travel times significantly; for example, I-90 upgrades completed in 2017 cut travel times by about 25 minutes while a new interchange at I-294/I-57 saved drivers up to 13 minutes. Studies referenced show poor road conditions can cost drivers approximately $725 per year due to increased repairs and fuel consumption. In Chicagoland specifically, average drivers spend about 100 hours annually in traffic—more than double the national average—resulting in roughly $1,800 in lost time, according to INRIX.
The proposal includes toll rate increases effective January 1, 2027: average passenger tolls for I-PASS customers would rise from $0.07 per mile to approximately $0.11 per mile (below the national average of $0.16). Passenger rates would increase by around forty-five cents per toll for I-PASS users; commercial vehicle rates would rise about thirty percent for I-PASS users—the first such increase since 2012 for passenger vehicles. All rates will also be adjusted every other year based on inflation starting in 2029.
The planned investments cover major corridors including Veterans Memorial (I-355), Reagan Memorial (I-88), North Tri-State (I-94/I-294), Jane Addams Memorial (I-90), South Tri-State (I-294/I-80), Central Tri-State (I-294), Illinois Route 390/I-490 projects as well as programwide funding for partnerships and innovation initiatives over fifteen years from 2027 through 2042.