Illinois Tollway: Drive Only if Necessary Today

The Illinois Tollway is advising drivers to travel with caution and only if necessary today in response to continuing rain and potential for roadway flooding across the 286-mile system of roads serving 12 counties in Northern Illinois.

The Illinois Tollway’s Traffic Operations Center is open and fully staffed with operators and roadway supervisors coordinating with state and local officials to manage this weather event.

All of the Illinois Tollway’s roadways are open at this time, including the Tri-State Tollway (I-94/I- 294/I-80), the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90), the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88) and the Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355).

• READ MORE: Map on Flooded Roads Throughout Chicago Area

However, lanes may be reduced in some areas due to localized flooding, particularly during heavy rainfall. In addition, some entrance and exit ramps may be closed due to local road and area expressway closures.

“Drivers should use extreme caution if travel is necessary today,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Kristi Lafleur. “If you have to be out, be aware of pavement conditions and do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination.”

Should you encounter car trouble and require roadway assistance, try to move your car to a safe position on the shoulder or in an untraveled area. Report stranded vehicles by dialing *999 from a cellular phone.

The Illinois Tollway’s Traffic and Incident Management System (TIMS) provides real-time travel times and roadway conditions via the Illinois Tollway’s website, www.illinoistollway.com, and on over-the-road electronic message signs throughout the Tollway.

Drivers also can sign up for Tollway Tweets at www.twitter.com or from the Tollway’s website at www.illinoistollway.com to receive real-time information about roadway incidents, including the type of incident, location and impact on traffic to assist drivers in planning their trips. Tweeters can follow all four Tollway Trips or just the roadways that interest them. The four are Tollway Trip 90, Tollway Trip 94/294, Tollway Trip 88 and Tollway Trip 355. 

Source: Illinois press release