DOWNERS GROVE, IL — The Illinois Tollway Board of Directors approved two construction contracts of 2026 at a recent board meeting, marking the start of the 15th year of the 16-year, $15 billion Move Illinois Capital Program and the second year of the seven-year, $2 billion Bridging the Future capital plan.
"We are looking forward to a busy construction season on the Illinois Tollway in 2026, committing $1.26 billion to keep delivering infrastructure improvements that will enhance mobility and improve service to customers," Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse said. "These dollars translate into repairs and upgrades systemwide, as well as continued progress on the new I-490 Tollway and reconstruction of key segments of the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294)."
The Tollway's capital program calls for investing $1.26 billion in 2026 with $374 million budgeted for systemwide roadway and bridge repairs, along with funding for key projects including:
- $328.9 million to continue design and reconstruction work for the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Project
- $427.4 million to continue planning and construction for the new I-490 Tollway and the new Illinois Route 390 Interchange, as well as providing direct access in and out of O'Hare International Airport as part of the Elgin O'Hare Western Access Project
Overall, nearly $12.1 billion has been invested by the Tollway since 2012, with more than $3.2 billion of that total committed to small, diverse, and veteran-owned firms. In addition, the capital program has created or sustained an estimated 149,280 total jobs as of December 2025.
| Your local Case Construction Equipment Inc dealer |
|---|
| Burris Equipment |
The construction contracts recently awarded include:
- A $38.2 million contract to the OHLA Central Inc./Judlau Contracting Inc. joint venture for roadway construction on the new I-490 Tollway between Irving Park Road and Devon Avenue
- A $3 million contract to Natural Creations Landscaping Inc. for landscape planting improvements on the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) between I-55 and Cermak Road
