This morning, the Illinois Tollway Board voted to approve the complete reconstruction of 22 miles of I-294 with a decisive 8-0 vote. After 60 years, the highway has lived its life and done its job for Illinois residents, and it is time to move forward with a new highway that will serve the transportation needs for generations to come.
The project was originally estimated at around $2 billion, but an alternative design was approved that will cost approximately $4 billion. More than 100 Local 150 members attended a public hearing at the Hinsdale Oasis on April 24th in support of the alternative design.
We have our members to thank for this budget doubling in amount. Members responded to Local 150’s call for support at Monday’s hearing and took the time to come out after work in support of this project. We don’t take your support for granted. Over and over again, it is clear that when members show up to public hearings and town halls, we have an impact.
Complete reconstruction of the 22 miles of Interstate 294 between Balmoral Avenue in Rosemont and 95th Street in Oak Lawn is scheduled to begin in late 2018 or early 2019.