1.7M Cars Projected To Hit IL Roads As Winter Storm Approaches

ILLINOIS — As a winter storm approaches the Chicago area, millions of vehicles are expected on the Illinois Tollway system for travel before the Christmas holiday.

According to the Illinois Tollway, the heaviest traffic is expected Wednesday and Thursday, when nearly 1.7 million vehicles are projected to hit Illinois highways each day.

Millions of people will be traveling over the holiday, with 1.3 million vehicles expected on Illinois roads on Christmas Eve on Saturday, and 1.1 million vehicles on Christmas Day.

At Chicago airports, city officials were also expecting 2.9 million travelers, even as heavy snow and dangerous cold threaten to cause cancellations.

A winter storm approaching the Chicago area is expected to snarl traffic, if not stop it completely.

The weather service has issued a winter storm watch for the Chicago area, which goes into effect at 6 p.m. Thursday and lasts until 6 a.m. Saturday. Falling and blowing snow could cause "white-out conditions" with zero visibility at times, the weather service said.

In addition to the snow, wind gusts up to 55 mph are possible, as well as dangerous cold temperatures as low as 25 to 30 below zero likely on Thursday night and Friday, according to the weather service.

For the New Year's holiday, about 1.2 million vehicles are expected to travel on the Tollways on New Year's Eve, and more than 1 million on New Year's Day. On an average day, 1.5 million vehicles use the Illinois Tollway, the Tollway said in a release.

“The Illinois Tollway wishes all of our customers happy holidays and safe travel as they celebrate with family and friends,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. “We understand how stressful the holidays can be, especially when combined with travel, so we’re hoping the savings and customer services we offer can make these trips a little easier.”

Best, Worst Times To Get Out Of IL For Christmas, New Year's Travel

AAA said the heaviest traffic congestion is expected between 4:45 and 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27, on I-290 East, Manheim Road to Paulina Street, where traffic is expected to be 75 percent higher than normal.

Lane closures are suspended for the holidays, starting at noon on Friday, through 9 a.m. Tuesday; and again from noon on Dec. 30 through 9 a.m. Jan. 3, according to the Tollway. Some construction work zones may remain in place, so drivers are reminded to slow down and obey work zone speed limits.

Winter road safety

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency warns travelers to stay home if conditions are unsafe — as in the case of heavy snow, whiteout conditions or dangerous cold, all of which possible in the coming days.

For those who must be on the road, IEMA offers these winter safety tips:

• Make sure your car is in good operating condition before using it in extreme cold.
• Keep condensation (water) out of your gas tank by keeping the tank as full as possible.
• Maintain a storm kit in your car with such items as a cell phone and charger; blankets; extra clothing; jumper cables; a flashlight; extra batteries; high-calorie, non-perishable food; and matches or a lighter.
• Plan your trip carefully. If cold, snowy, or icy conditions exceed your ability or your car's ability, don't travel. If you must travel, be cautious.
• Tell someone about your travel plans.
• Never leave the motor running in a vehicle parked in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as a garage.