The Illinois Tollway Board of Directors has approved two construction contracts as part of its $1.26 billion capital spending plan for 2026. This action marks the beginning of the 15th year of the agency’s 16-year, $15 billion Move Illinois Capital Program and the second year of its seven-year, $2 billion Bridging the Future capital plan.
“We are looking forward to a busy construction season on the Illinois Tollway in 2026, committing $1.26 billion to keep delivering infrastructure improvements that will enhance mobility and improve service to customers,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. “These dollars translate into repairs and upgrades systemwide, as well as continued progress on the new I-490 Tollway and reconstruction of key segments of the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294).”
For 2026, the capital program allocates $374 million for systemwide roadway and bridge repairs. It also includes major funding for ongoing projects: approximately $328.9 million is set aside for design and reconstruction work on the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294), while $427.4 million will support planning and construction on the new I-490 Tollway and Illinois Route 390 Interchange, which will provide direct access to O’Hare International Airport as part of the Elgin O’Hare Western Access Project.
Since 2012, nearly $12.1 billion has been invested by the Illinois Tollway in infrastructure projects. Of this amount, more than $3.2 billion has been committed to small, diverse, and veteran-owned firms. The capital program has created or sustained an estimated 149,280 jobs through December 2025.
The newly awarded contracts include a $38.2 million contract to OHLA Central Inc./Judlau Contracting Inc., a joint venture based in Lisle, IL, for roadway construction on the new I-490 Tollway between Irving Park Road and Devon Avenue; and a $3 million contract to Natural Creations Landscaping Inc., Joliet, IL, for landscape planting improvements along I-294 between I-55 and Cermak Road.
Nine certified disadvantaged, minority-, and women-owned business enterprise (D/M/WBE) firms are included in these January contracts, along with two certified veteran-owned firms. The participation commitment stands at 32.01 percent for D/M/WBE firms and 1.62 percent for veteran-owned firms.
All construction contracts are competitively bid under rules established by the Illinois Procurement Code before being reviewed and approved by the board.
The Illinois Tollway broadcasts all public meetings—including board meetings and public bid openings—on its website at www.illinoistollway.com. Detailed information about current construction projects can be found via their Construction Contract Tracker online.
Move Illinois is a long-term effort aimed at improving regional mobility by relieving congestion, reducing pollution, creating jobs, and connecting local economies throughout Northern Illinois through significant infrastructure investment over a span of sixteen years.
Bridging the Future was approved by directors in December 2024 as a seven-year plan to continue modernization initiatives while supporting investments in workforce development across regional transportation improvement efforts.
The agency operates as a user-fee system without state or federal maintenance funding and maintains nearly 300 miles of toll roads across twelve counties in Northern Illinois.
