Illinois Tollway Snowplows Out in Full Force this Evening, Friday

The Illinois Tollway is preparing to mobilize its full fleet of 183 snowplows in response to the snowfall expected to begin early this evening and continue into Friday morning.

The Tollway's Snow Operations Center will be open this afternoon to manage the agency's systemwide response.

"The Illinois Tollway is ready to handle the snow expected to begin early this evening throughout our system," said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Kristi Lafleur.  "It is possible that this storm could impact drivers this evening as well as tomorrow's morning rush hour, so we ask our customers to drive safely and allow enough time to arrive at their destinations."

To respond to this weather event, the Illinois Tollway will have a full complement of more than 200 staff and supervisors per shift to ensure that roadways are kept clear of snow and ice.  

To help with snow removal efforts, the Tollway has cancelled all temporary lane closures from 5 p.m. tonight, February 23, to noon on Friday, February 24.

For drivers traveling this evening and tomorrow morning, the Tollway provides the following tips:

• Slow down and leave enough time to reach your destination
• Do not make sudden lane changes and always use your turn signal
• Don't follow too closely and increase your intervals between vehicles
• Remember to always wear your safety belt and ensure children under the age of 8 are securely restrained in child safety seats
• Yield to snowplows and emergency vehicles
• Don't text while driving.  It's illegal.
• Dial *999 on your cell phone to report incidents
• If you are involved in a drivable property damage crash, relocate to a safe location and exchange information.  Reports can be made at any Illinois State Police District within seven days. If you are involved in a personal injury or non-drivable crash, stay with your vehicle and contact 911.

Source: Illinois Tollway press release