According to the Illinois Tollway, ongoing construction along I-294 has led to significant lane closures and detours. The eastbound lanes of West Lake Street under the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) are now closed, with a clearly marked detour in place. Additionally, traffic adjustments are being implemented for the ramp linking westbound I-290 to West Lake Street in Cook County.
Road Closures and Detours in Effect
This project, spearheaded by the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways, is part of the extensive North Avenue Interchange Project. The initiative focuses on improving the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) and surrounding roads. Electronic signs and construction alerts have been installed to notify and guide drivers as they approach affected areas. For the latest updates, the Daily Construction Alert on the Tollway website provides real-time closure information.
Since last Friday, eastbound West Lake Street underneath I-294 has been shut down. A detour now routes traffic to eastbound North Avenue (Illinois Route 64), south onto Railroad Avenue, and back to West Lake Street. This traffic pattern will likely remain until late summer.
The ramp will stay open for westbound I-290 traffic heading to East West Lake Street. One overnight closure, planned in late May, will implement a traffic shift. A detour will also be available for that closure.
Currently, westbound Lake Street heading toward I-294 is also closed, with detours posted. The setup is expected to last through the summer of 2025. Furthermore, westbound North Avenue has been reduced to a single lane in both directions between Railroad Avenue and I-294 to allow bridge repairs to continue through the summer.
Collaborative Construction Efforts
The construction work is being coordinated with various agencies, including the Illinois Department of Transportation, the City of Elmhurst, the City of Northlake, and local emergency departments. These partnerships ensure smooth progress while minimizing disruptions to surrounding communities.
For further details, including maps and detour routes, visit the Illinois Tollway Projects section or the Cook County construction project webpage.
What the Project Entails
Key components of the North Avenue Interchange Project include realigning County Line Road to accommodate the widening of I-294 and constructing a new ramp that connects southbound I-294 to County Line Road, offering better access to North Avenue and West Lake Street. This upgrade aims to reduce congestion both at the interchange and on nearby roads.
The project will also reconfigure the intersection of North Avenue and Lake Street (U.S. Route 20) to improve traffic flow and add direct access to eastbound North Avenue. Additionally, robust drainage improvements are underway to mitigate flooding during heavy rainfall. Measures include building detention ponds and installing stormwater infrastructure along North Avenue.
Timeline of Ongoing Roadwork
Lane closures and traffic shifts are anticipated to continue as Cook County advances its work on pavement reconstruction, bridge enhancements, water main upgrades, improved drainage systems, and traffic signal upgrades. The Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways is leading these developments, with the Illinois Tollway providing additional support through its massive “Move Illinois” capital program, a 16-year, $15 billion initiative aimed at transforming the state’s tollway system.
The North Avenue Interchange Project is another critical step in modernizing Illinois’s transportation infrastructure while ensuring safer, more efficient travel for all. Drivers should allow extra travel time and remain patient as this vital work continues.
Source: The Trucker
Image Source: ABC7 Chicago
