Construction is underway for a new tollway connecting to O’Hare International Airport in Illinois. The project to build the Interstate 490 tollway is costing US$534 million.
The project will provide improved access from the west to O’Hare International Airport. The project is due for completion in the third quarter of 2027. The Illinois State Toll Highway Authority says that the new I-490 route includes construction of 5km of the mainline roadway along with 16 ramps and 15 bridges.
As part of the new I-490 Tollway, the Illinois Tollway is building a new interchange connecting I-490 to the Tri-State Tollway (I-294). The new interchange will link the I-490 with the Illinois Route 390 Tollway and provide access to York Road, Irving Park Road, as well as direct access for the busy O’Hare International Airport. The new road will connect I-90 in Des Plaines to I-294 in Bensenville.
During 2024, work for the I-490/IL 390 Interchange has included commencing construction of the remaining six interchange ramps and bridges over York Road, CPKC Railway, and Union Pacific Railroad. Construction has also included earthwork, drainage and retaining walls. Work has included reconstruction of mainline pavement on northbound I-294 and completion of the flyover bridge from northbound I-294 to northbound I-490. Building the interchange is costing an estimated $360 million.
One of the world’s largest and busiest airports, O’Hare International Airport handles high passenger volumes and improving access to the facility will help reduce traffic congestion in and around West Chicago.
