Overnight and long-term ramp closures will continue throughout February as part of the Illinois Tollway’s ongoing project to reconstruct and reconfigure the I-290/I-88 Interchange at the Tri-State Tollway (I-294). Drivers are advised to expect delays due to these changes.
The Illinois Tollway is preparing to shift northbound I-294 traffic between the Cermak Toll Plaza and the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88). This work will require lane closures over several nights, along with detours for affected ramps. The purpose of these shifts is to improve traffic flow and ensure a safe environment for construction activities, which include pavement and bridge reconstruction, widening, noisewall installation, drainage, and utility work.
Construction signs and electronic message boards will be used in advance to notify drivers about upcoming closures and detours. Closure updates can be found on the Daily Construction Alert page. All scheduled work depends on weather conditions.
Throughout February, temporary overnight ramp closures with posted detours will occur at various interchange ramps connecting I-294 with I-290, I-88, and Roosevelt Road. These closures support ongoing repairs such as protective shielding, bridge reconstruction, pavement removal, and utility upgrades. Detour maps are available on the project’s website.
Specific construction highlights for February include shifting northbound I-294 traffic between Cermak Toll Plaza and I-88. Once completed, three lanes will remain open on northbound I-294 while a fourth lane exits onto eastbound I-290. To facilitate this shift, multiple nights of overnight lane and ramp closures are planned from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m.
Additional closures affecting ramps connecting northbound I-294 to Roosevelt Road in both directions are expected during roadway shutdowns. Traffic will be rerouted via eastbound I-290 to southbound Mannheim Road for access to Roosevelt Road.
Temporary overnight full closures lasting up to 15 minutes each are also scheduled on Butterfield Road under I-294 in Berkeley and Hillside for bridge beam removal.
Coordination efforts involve local municipalities including Berkeley, Hillside, Elmhurst, Oak Brook, Proviso Township as well as local fire and police departments.
Further information about current long-term or overnight ramp closures—including maps—can be accessed through the Illinois Tollway’s official website in the Projects section: www.illinoistollway.com
In 2026, reconstruction efforts at this interchange will continue with work on bridges over key routes such as Butterfield Road, Canadian National Railroad tracks, Electric Avenue; improvements also include noise walls, retaining walls, drainage systems as well as electrical upgrades.
The Central Tri-State Tollway Project represents a $4 billion investment aimed at rebuilding approximately 20 miles of roadway between Balmoral Avenue and 95th Street. The goal is congestion relief by updating infrastructure for current/future demand; more than 220,000 vehicles use this corridor daily as part of Move Illinois—a capital program spanning sixteen years with an estimated cost of $15 billion that supports job creation across northern Illinois while improving mobility regionally (details: https://www.illinoistollway.com/projects).
Work zone speed limits remain enforced around-the-clock throughout all construction areas; drivers should pay attention to changing patterns especially when workers are present—a 45 mph limit applies along affected sections of I‑294 during construction season.
The “Move Over Law” requires motorists approaching any vehicle displaying hazard lights on road shoulders either change lanes or slow down significantly; violations carry penalties ranging from fines ($250 minimum) up to jail time if injuries result (more info: https://www.isp.state.il.us/traffic/moveover.cfm).
The Illinois Tollway operates without state or federal maintenance funding—relying instead on user fees—and manages nearly 300 miles of roads across twelve counties in Northern Illinois including major corridors like Reagan Memorial (I‑88), Veterans Memorial (I‑355), Jane Addams Memorial (I‑90), Tri-State (I‑94/I‑294/I‑80), plus Route 390.
