The Illinois Tollway announced on March 23 that construction work is beginning at six toll plazas along the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88), with lane closures and detours scheduled through 2026 to complete the improvements.
These upgrades are part of a broader effort to improve traffic flow, safety, and mobility across the system. The work will involve removing existing barrier walls and equipment, installing new tolling infrastructure, ramp pavement repairs, shoulder enhancements, guardrail installation, electrical updates, and signage improvements.
Construction is set to start at the Highland Avenue Toll Plaza in late March. During this phase, ramps connecting eastbound I-88 to Highland Avenue will be reduced to a single lane. Similar weekly lane closures are planned for the Orchard Road, Farnsworth Avenue, and Naperville Road (Freedom Drive) interchanges throughout the year. Additional projects will continue into 2026 at Downers Drive Interchange and Winfield Road Interchange. Work is also scheduled for the Illinois Route 31 Interchange.
All construction activities are being coordinated with local agencies including the Illinois Department of Transportation; DuPage County; Kane County; Aurora Township; as well as fire and police departments. Up-to-date information about ramp closures or detours will be posted on electronic message signs near affected areas and on the Daily Construction Alert section of the Illinois Tollway website.
The improvement project is part of Move Illinois: The Illinois Tollway Driving the Future—a $15 billion capital program running over sixteen years—and Bridging the Future—a seven-year $2 billion plan approved in December 2024 by its Board of Directors aimed at continuing modernization initiatives based on stakeholder feedback.
Motorists are reminded that construction zone speed limits apply around-the-clock in all work zones. Drivers should watch for changing traffic patterns and exercise caution when workers are present. The “Move Over Law” requires motorists to change lanes or slow down when passing vehicles with hazard lights activated; violations can result in significant fines or jail time.
