The Illinois Tollway announced on March 24 that lane reductions and traffic shifts will begin next week at the Arlington Heights Road and Barrington Road interchanges on the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) as part of ongoing toll plaza improvements. The work, which includes canopy removal and other upgrades, is expected to continue into 2027.
These changes are being made to improve traffic flow and operations at the affected interchanges. Electronic message signs and construction signage will be placed in advance to alert drivers about upcoming closures, with updates posted regularly on the Tollway website’s Daily Construction Alert. All scheduled work depends on weather conditions.
Extended lane reductions will continue through the end of this year at Arlington Heights Interchange (westbound I-90) and into 2027 at Barrington Road Interchange (eastbound I-90). Work includes removing toll plaza canopies, barrier walls, installing new monotube structures, ramp pavement repairs, shoulder improvements, electrical upgrades, lighting enhancements, and updated signage. Specific ramp closures are set for March 27 (eastbound I-90 to Arlington Heights Road) and March 29 (westbound I-90 to Barrington Road), each reducing traffic to a single lane for construction activity. Weekend detours are also planned later in the year for equipment installation.
Project coordination involves several local agencies including the Illinois Department of Transportation, Cook County authorities, municipalities such as Arlington Heights and Hoffman Estates, as well as fire and police departments. The improvements are part of Move Illinois: The Illinois Tollway Driving the Future—a $15 billion capital program—and Bridging the Future—a seven-year $2 billion plan approved by directors in December 2024.
Drivers are reminded that construction zone speed limits apply around-the-clock in all work areas. The “Move Over Law” requires motorists to change lanes or slow down when passing vehicles with hazard lights activated; penalties include fines up to $10,000 or suspension of driving privileges in severe cases. State Police have zero tolerance for speeding or failure to comply with these laws.
The Illinois Tollway maintains over 294 miles of roadways across Northern Illinois without state or federal funding support for maintenance or operations.
