The Illinois Tollway announced on March 15 that it is preparing for a winter storm expected to bring sleet and snow to the region, urging drivers to slow down, stay alert, and use caution during overnight travel and Monday morning commutes.
The agency said it will deploy all 196 of its plows to clear roads and spread salt and brine solution as de-icing materials. The Snow Operations Center has been activated to manage the systemwide response as the storm could begin with freezing rain and sleet before turning into heavy snow in some areas.
“Our crews will be working throughout this storm to keep our roads clear and safe so our customers can safely complete their travels,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. “Tollway plows are using a brine solution along with road salt to help prevent ice from sticking to the pavement, melt ice more effectively at lower temperatures and better protect the environment by reducing the amount of salt needed during storms. We’re asking our customers to help us protect them by reducing their speed, steering clear of other vehicles and staying alert for changing pavement conditions and weather conditions.”
More than 200 staff members and supervisors will work alternating shifts throughout the storm to remove snow and ice from the Tollway’s 294-mile system. Drivers who need assistance are advised to activate hazard lights, dial *999 for roadside help, remain inside their vehicles until aid arrives, note their location details, and file crash reports online if only property damage occurs.
The Illinois Tollway also reminds motorists about the state’s “Move Over Law,” which requires drivers to change lanes or slow down when passing any vehicle with hazard lights or emergency vehicles with flashing lights. Additional safety tips include keeping cellphones charged, ensuring tires are properly inflated, maintaining at least half a tank of gas, carrying a cold weather safety kit in vehicles, calling *999 if stranded, turning on emergency lights, remaining inside until help arrives, and avoiding handheld cellphone use while driving.
The Illinois Tollway operates as a user-fee system without state or federal funding for maintenance or operations. It manages 294 miles of roadway across 12 counties in Northern Illinois.
