The Illinois Tollway Board of Directors has approved a new 20-year Strategic Plan, named “Our Bold Steps Together,” which will serve as a roadmap for infrastructure investments, service improvements, and regional partnerships in Northern Illinois. This plan replaces the previous strategy adopted in 2010 and incorporates input gathered over more than a year from community stakeholders, regional leaders, and employees.
Cassaundra Rouse, Executive Director of the Illinois Tollway, said: “This plan is about aligning our investments with what matters most – safe, reliable service and smart planning that supports our region’s economic health. It gives us a proactive framework to navigate evolving mobility needs, technologies and priorities.”
The Strategic Plan supports the agency’s ability to implement major capital projects. These include the remaining parts of the 16-year Move Illinois capital program valued at $15 billion, the seven-year Bridging the Future capital plan worth $2 billion, as well as an upcoming long-term capital initiative focused on maintaining and modernizing the system. The plan will also guide policies and programs funded by the annual maintenance and operations budget.
A new mission statement was adopted alongside the plan: Leading with infrastructure, innovation and integration, the Illinois Tollway delivers the highest customer service and quality of life for all, to connect and safely move Chicagoland, Illinois and the United States forward, together. The full text of the Strategic Plan can be found on www.illinoistollway.com/future.
Scott Paddock, Board Member and Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee said: “This Strategic Plan provides a broad yet well-defined path to success, building a business case that delivers the highest return on investment for customers and non-users alike. It reflects the expectations of our customers and partners and the values that drive our agency forward.”
The updated plan is structured around five main goals: organizational excellence; diversity and equity; mobility and economic investment; sustainability; innovation; and technology. Each goal aims to support short-, medium-, or long-term investments through 45 initiatives grouped into three categories—maintain/enhance existing assets; expand access; diversify offerings.
The planning process involved extensive staff engagement through workshops as well as discussions with key partners. A work session with board members in October 2024 contributed further direction to align with updated mission objectives.
The Illinois Tollway operates without state or federal funds for its maintenance or operations budget. It manages nearly 300 miles of roadways across twelve counties in Northern Illinois including major routes such as I-88 (Reagan Memorial), I-355 (Veterans Memorial), I-90 (Jane Addams Memorial), I-94/I-294/I-80 (Tri-State), plus Route 390.
