The Illinois Tollway announced on March 19 that overnight ramp closures and detours are planned next week at the O’Hare Interchange, where the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) meets the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90), to support ongoing work relocating the toll plaza. The closures are necessary for installing a communications tower and performing electrical work as part of construction related to the Illinois Department of Transportation’s future I-190 Project.
This work is significant because it will impact traffic flow near O’Hare International Airport, a major transportation hub. The improvements aim to enhance roadway access and operations for drivers traveling through this busy interchange.
According to the announcement, starting at 10 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, ramps connecting southbound I-294 and eastbound I-90 to westbound I-190 will close overnight. Detours will direct southbound I-294 traffic to westbound Irving Park Road and northbound Mannheim Road before accessing westbound I-190. Eastbound I-90 traffic will be routed onto southbound I-294 before following the same detour route. The ramps are expected to reopen by 4 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25. If weather prevents completion of the work during this window, additional closures may be scheduled later.
Construction is being completed in stages, with current traffic reduced to a single lane through the plaza and limited shoulder space available as work continues throughout 2026. The project includes building a new toll plaza control building, reconstructing ramps, updating lighting, and improving roadway signage.
Drivers are reminded that construction zone speed limits remain in effect at all times in these areas. The Illinois Tollway also emphasized compliance with the “Move Over Law,” which requires motorists to change lanes or slow down when passing vehicles with hazard lights activated on road shoulders. Penalties for violations can include fines up to $25,000 or jail time if workers are injured.
Maps and further construction updates can be found in the Projects section of illinoistollway.com.
