Lane reductions scheduled on Touhy Avenue and Dempster Street for I-294 bridge repair work
Lane reductions began this week on Touhy Avenue and Dempster Street in Des Plaines for repair work on the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) bridges, according to a July 16 announcement from the Illinois Tollway. The repairs are part of ongoing maintenance efforts scheduled throughout this year.
Electronic message signs and construction signage have been placed to alert drivers about lane closures and traffic shifts, which will occur as needed between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily. During these times, traffic on both Touhy Avenue and Dempster Street will be reduced to a single lane in each direction while crews complete repairs underneath the mainline bridges. Additional traffic shifts are planned for ramps carrying northbound I-294 to westbound Touhy Avenue and Dempster Street.
Closures are expected to continue into August on Dempster Street and into September on Touhy Avenue. Repair locations along the North Tri-State Tollway also include several other bridges, such as Waukegan Road Bridge, Deerfield Road Bridge over I-94, Willow Road Bridge, Sanders Road Bridge over I-294, as well as mainline bridges over the Union Pacific Railroad. The scope of work includes bridge joint cleaning and repairs, structural concrete repairs, and drainage system cleaning—all scheduled for completion within the year.
The Illinois Tollway stated that this work is part of its seven-year, $2 billion Bridging the Future capital plan approved by its Board of Directors in December 2024. Coordination with local agencies such as the Illinois Department of Transportation, Cook County officials, Union Pacific Railroad representatives, fire departments, and police departments is ongoing during these projects.
Construction zone speed limits remain in effect at all times throughout these areas. The Illinois Tollway reminded motorists that state law requires changing lanes or slowing down when passing vehicles with hazard lights activated—a measure enforced by Illinois State Police, with minimum penalties starting at $250 for speeding in a work zone.