Overnight and long-term ramp closures will continue through January as the Illinois Tollway moves forward with the reconstruction and reconfiguration of the I-290/I-88 Interchange at the Tri-State Tollway (I-294). Drivers should expect delays during this period.
The Illinois Tollway announced that a reconstructed ramp connecting westbound Roosevelt Road to southbound I-294 is expected to reopen later this month. To facilitate this, overnight lane closures will occur on southbound I-294 between Electric Avenue and Cermak Road.
Electronic message signs and construction signage will be installed in advance to notify drivers about upcoming closures and detours. The Illinois Tollway advises that all work is weather dependent, and updated information can be found on its Daily Construction Alert page. Temporary overnight ramp closures with posted detours will remain in effect at various interchange ramps linking I-294, I-290, Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88), and Roosevelt Road due to ongoing bridge reconstruction, pavement work, and utility projects. Detour maps are available on the project’s dedicated web page.
In early January, traffic on southbound I-294 between St. Charles Road and Cermak Toll Plaza will shift into a counterflow configuration onto the northbound side of the roadway. This change requires multiple nights of overnight lane and ramp closures on southbound I-294.
Additionally, a second lane on the ramp from eastbound I-290 to westbound I-88 and southbound I-294 is set to open soon. Lane closures along eastbound I-290 are necessary for this phase; while closed overnight, traffic will be rerouted via Mannheim Road or York Road interchanges.
Further changes in January include shifting westbound I-88 traffic at I-294 rightward for bridge reconstruction work zones, while northbound I-294 traffic between Cermak Toll Plaza and I-88 shifts left with only the right lane exiting to eastbound I-290. These shifts also require additional overnight closures.
Coordination efforts involve local municipalities such as Berkeley, Hillside, Elmhurst, Oak Brook, Proviso Township, as well as local emergency services departments.
The Illinois Tollway provides updates about these projects—including maps—on its website’s Projects section (www.illinoistollway.com).
Throughout 2026, construction at this interchange includes rebuilding several bridges over roadways like Butterfield Road and Electric Avenue; reconstructing ramps; installing noise walls; retaining walls; pavement upgrades; drainage improvements; electrical systems; and lighting enhancements.
This work is part of the $4 billion Central Tri-State Tollway Project aimed at reconstructing and widening roadways from Balmoral Avenue to 95th Street to reduce congestion and modernize infrastructure under the Move Illinois Program. According to project details, more than 220,000 vehicles use this stretch daily.
Construction zone speed limits remain enforced around-the-clock throughout all work areas with a posted limit of 45 mph during construction season. The agency reminds motorists: “The ‘Move Over Law’ requires motorists to change lanes or slow down when passing any vehicle with hazard lights activated.” Penalties for violations range from fines up to $25,000 or jail time if workers are struck by speeding vehicles.
The Move Illinois program is a 16-year capital initiative valued at $15 billion focused on improving mobility across Northern Illinois by relieving congestion, reducing pollution levels linked to idling cars in traffic jams or detours created by outdated roads/infrastructure—and creating an estimated 165,220 jobs regionally since inception.
