Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Tollway, in collaboration with Cook County and the City of Hickory Hills, has completed improvements at the intersection of 87th Street and Roberts Road. This development is part of the larger reconstruction of the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) bridge, which is included in the Move Illinois capital program.

The project involved replacing two aging bridge structures on I-294 with new ones that enhance roadway drainage and lighting. The redesigned intersection aims to improve traffic capacity and safety for approximately 220,000 vehicles that travel daily over this segment. Additionally, a new community space was created under I-294 featuring outdoor fitness equipment and recreational areas, enhancing pedestrian access to the Prairie Pond walking path.

Cassaundra Rouse, Executive Director of the Illinois Tollway, emphasized the project's benefits: "These improvements make traveling more efficient and safer not just for our customers, but for drivers in neighboring communities." She highlighted cooperation with local partners like Hickory Hills and Cook County.

Cook County contributed $5.7 million towards local upgrades at the intersection. These enhancements include a right-turn lane from 87th Street to Roberts Road, improved traffic signals, new sidewalks, curb ramps, and better pedestrian lighting. Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Board President, said: "These intersection improvements are part of our ongoing efforts to make roads across Cook County safer and more convenient for residents and travelers."

Hickory Hills Mayor Michael Howley expressed pride in transforming a vacant gravel lot into a recreational area under I-294: "This is a clever, creative use of a parcel that otherwise would provide little benefit to our residents."

As part of noise reduction efforts on I-294, transparent acrylic noisewalls were installed on the new bridges. These walls also allow more light to reach street level and improve visual connectivity between areas on either side.

The Move Illinois program is a 16-year initiative by the Illinois Tollway aimed at improving mobility across Northern Illinois without relying on state or federal funds. It encompasses various projects including rebuilding parts of I-90 and opening new interchanges like that connecting I-294 to I-57.

Information from this article can be found here.