The Illinois Tollway Board of Directors has approved a balanced budget for 2026, allocating $1.79 billion in annual revenue to support maintenance, operations, debt service transfers, and capital investments across its 294-mile system.
The newly approved budget includes $1.26 billion designated for capital spending. This funding will contribute to the agency’s ongoing $15 billion Move Illinois capital program and the $2 billion Bridging the Future capital plan.
“The Tollway has worked to build a budget for 2026 that reflects both responsible stewardship and continued support for regional needs,” said Illinois Tollway Board Chairman Arnie Rivera. “Today, we approved this balanced 2026 budget that delivers on this directive and allows us to continue to deliver exceptional service to our customers.”
Projected revenue for 2026 is expected to increase by 2.7 percent compared to the previous year. Of the total revenue, $1.73 billion will come from tolls and evasion recovery, including an annual commercial truck toll rate increase that was first approved in 2008. The agency confirmed there are no planned increases in passenger vehicle tolls for 2026; these rates have remained unchanged since 2012.
More than $1.31 billion from the budget will go toward direct funding and debt service on capital investments, while $467.7 million is set aside for maintenance and operations.
“Our 2026 budget allows us to continue to support the highest level of customer service and daily operations and also make capital investments that sustain jobs and strengthen the regional economy,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. “This is part of our long-view approach to transportation in Illinois that keeps our system reliable and future-ready.”
The maintenance and operations portion of the budget includes an Information Technology allocation of $98.1 million aimed at modernizing processes, a Roadway Maintenance budget of $67.4 million, and $36 million dedicated to Security and Safety—including a service agreement with the Illinois State Police. Additionally, $202.1 million is allocated for Operations and Business Systems departments focused on customer services support.
Key projects within the capital program include:
– $328.9 million directed toward design and reconstruction work on the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Project.
– $427.4 million allocated for planning and construction related to the new I-490 Tollway, as well as work on the Illinois Route 390 Interchange which will provide direct access into O’Hare International Airport as part of the Elgin O’Hare Western Access Project.
To help fund these investments, up to $1 billion in new bonds may be issued during 2026.
The full details of the 2026 Budget Book are available on the Illinois Tollway website.
The Illinois Tollway operates as a user-fee system without state or federal funds supporting its maintenance or operations. It manages major roadways throughout Northern Illinois including I-88 (Reagan Memorial), I-355 (Veterans Memorial), I-90 (Jane Addams Memorial), I-94/I-294/I-80 (Tri-State), and Illinois Route 390.
