Illinois Tollway Proposes $26.5 Billion Plan, Public Hearings Set for Rochelle and DeKalb

DOWNERS GROVE — The Illinois Tollway has unveiled a proposed 15 year, $26.5 billion capital program that would fund road improvements, maintenance projects and new construction across its system through 2042. The plan includes a $3.53 billion investment in the Reagan Memorial Tollway, or I 88, with projects that include reconstructing the roadway from Illinois Route 56 to Illinois Route 251, adding a new access point on the western portion of I 88 and widening key segments. The proposal also includes toll increases beginning Jan. 1, 2027, marking the first increase for passenger vehicles since 2012. Public hearings are scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. July 16 at the Loveland Community House and Museum in Dixon and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 20 at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. An additional hearing is planned from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 23 at Luna Rochelle in Rochelle. Officials said the program is intended to improve traffic flow, support economic growth and maintain the long term reliability of the tollway system.