Illinois Tollway Approves Major Toll Increase

DOWNERS GROVE — The Illinois Tollway Board has approved a $26.5 billion, 15 year capital program that includes higher toll rates for passenger vehicles and trucks beginning Jan. 1, 2027. Passenger vehicle tolls will increase by about 57 percent, while commercial vehicle rates will rise about 30 percent. The Driving Connections program will fund roadway and bridge improvements, interchange upgrades and projects to reduce congestion across the Tollway system through 2042. The program will be funded primarily through toll revenue, with passenger tolls for I PASS customers increasing from an average of 7 cents per mile to about 11 cents per mile. Toll rates will also be adjusted every two years for inflation beginning in 2029. The program includes major investments in Interstate 88, Interstate 90, Interstate 355 and the Tri State Tollway, along with improvements to nearly 300 miles of Tollway roads. The Tollway said the higher rates will support maintenance, operations, debt service and long term transportation improvements.