The Illinois Tollway has announced the deployment of 24-hour Zero Weather Road Patrols in response to dangerously cold temperatures and windchills expected to affect Northern Illinois from December 12 through December 16. The agency aims to provide faster assistance to motorists who may become stranded or face mechanical problems during this period.
Drivers are advised to prepare for extremely cold conditions and are encouraged to dial *999 for roadside help if needed. After making the call, officials urge motorists to remain inside their vehicles until help arrives for their safety.
Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse stated, “Safety is always our top priority and to better protect our customers during dangerously cold weather we operate special Zero Weather Road Patrols that operate around the clock to look for stranded drivers and rapidly respond to *999 calls for assistance. Putting these additional road crews out on our system helps ensure our customers are able to travel safely even during extreme temperatures and windchills.”
Zero Weather Road Patrols supplement the services provided by Highway Emergency Lane Patrol (H.E.L.P.) trucks, which typically run from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday. At least twelve Zero Weather Road Patrols will be operating at all hours, including weekends, using crew cab trucks equipped with arrow boards and passenger space if transport is needed.
Frequent issues addressed by patrol crews include flat tires, battery boosts, overheated radiators, or empty fuel tanks.
The Tollway also shared several winter safety tips: calling *999 for assistance while noting roadway details; remaining in the vehicle with emergency lights activated; ensuring cellphones are fully charged before travel; checking tire pressure regularly due to drops in temperature; keeping gas tanks at least half full; and carrying a cold weather kit with gloves, boots, blankets, flares, water, and a flashlight.
For updates on road conditions or incidents before traveling, drivers can subscribe to Tollway Trip Tweets via X on the agency’s website at illinoistollway.com.
The Illinois Tollway operates as a user-fee system without state or federal funds for its maintenance and operations. It maintains nearly 300 miles of roadway across twelve counties in Northern Illinois.
