'Finish Line' In Sight For I-294 Work

HINSDALE, IL – A section of the Interstate 294 expansion project in Hinsdale and Western Springs should be done by fall, an Illinois Tollway official said Tuesday.

"The finish line is actually in sight here," Tollway engineering official Jeff Allen told the Hinsdale Village Board.

He said the section from Ogden Avenue to Interstate 55 is expected to be substantially completed by fall. Some finishing touches, such as restoration work, may spill into next year, he said.

The work on the overall 22-mile, $4 billion project began in 2018 and is slated to last until 2027.

The southern section from 95th Street in Bridgeview to Interstate 55 is done, as is the northern part from North Avenue in Elmhurst to Balmoral Avenue in Rosemont, officials said.

"We're throwing everything at this project to get it done as quickly as possible and get out of your hair," said Manar Nashif, the Tollway's head engineer.

The work includes the interchange of I-294 and I-88.

"That is a very significant interchange for this region," Nashif said. "There are 300,000 vehicles a day through that area, a lot of congestion. It's a gateway to this region."

The project is meant to reduce traffic congestion and improve traffic flow, helping drivers on I-294, I-88 and I-290.