Get Ready For Some Slow-downs Around I-88 and York Road

Work to begin rebuilding the York Road exit ramp off of the connector road from eastbound Interstate 88 to the southbound Tri-State Tollway (I-294), just south of Elmhurst, is scheduled to begin next week.
 
Beginning the week of May 27, traffic on the York Road ramp will be shifted to the right to provide a work zone, with half the width of the ramp being reconstructed at a time. Work on the first half is expected to be completed in July, at which time traffic will be shifted to the left with a work zone on the right. Reconstruction work will be performed on weekdays, and the York Road ramp will remain open to traffic throughout construction.
 
Work includes reconstruction of the York Road ramp using full-depth asphalt, as well as shoulder improvements and upgrades to the drainage system.
 
The Illinois Tollway is spending nearly $4 million to repair ramps at three interchanges on the east end of I-88 this year. In addition to the York Road ramp, work also includes repairs to short segments of ramps at the Highland Avenue interchange in Downers Grove and the Spring Road interchange in Oak Brook. All three projects are scheduled for completion by fall.  

The ramp reconstruction and repairs on I-88 are part of the Tollway's 15-year, $12 billion capital program. Also included in the plan is construction of an all-electronic Elgin O’Hare western access route.
 
Work zone speed limits are in effect in all construction zones whether workers are present or not. Drivers should continue to watch for changing traffic patterns and use caution, especially when workers are present. A 20 mile-per-hour speed limit will be in place through the work zone.
 
State Police have zero tolerance for drivers speeding in work zones. The minimum penalty for speeding in a work zone is $375, and posted signs advise drivers of a $10,000 fine and 14-year jail sentence for hitting a roadway worker.
 
Building Green
The Tollway is committed to minimizing the environmental impact of construction by reducing, recycling and reusing materials. The new asphalt overlay on I-88 will incorporate recycled materials including warm mix asphalt, reclaimed asphalt pavement, ground tire rubber and recycled asphalt shingles. In addition to reducing the cost of this work, reuse of these materials reduces the need for virgin asphalt materials and reduces the volume of material that would otherwise be sent to landfills.
 
For more detailed information about Illinois Tollway construction projects, please visit “Projects By Roadway” in the Construction/Planning section on the Tollway’s website www.illinoistollway.com.