Illinois Tollway

The Illinois Tollway, officially the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority (ISTHA), is a system of controlled-access highways spanning northern Illinois. Established in 1953 and opening its first segment in 1958, the Tollway serves as a vital artery for transportation, commerce, and commuting in the region.

Its network comprises five main toll roads: the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90), the Tri-State Tollway (I-94/I-294/I-80), the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88), the Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355), and the Chicago Skyway (I-90, although operation is leased to a private company). Together, these routes cover nearly 300 miles, connecting major cities like Chicago, Rockford, and Aurora, as well as facilitating travel to neighboring states.

The primary purpose of the Tollway is to provide a faster and more efficient alternative to free roadways, particularly during peak hours. Tolls are collected to fund the maintenance, operation, and expansion of the system. The Tollway claims that its roadways are better maintained and offer a higher level of service than comparable free highways, justifying the toll fees.

Initially, tolls were collected through manual tollbooths. However, in recent years, the Tollway has transitioned to an all-electronic tolling system called I-PASS. Drivers can obtain an I-PASS transponder, which is affixed to their vehicle and automatically debited when passing through tolling points. For drivers without an I-PASS, the “Pay By Plate” option allows them to pay tolls online after driving on the Tollway. The elimination of tollbooths has significantly reduced congestion and improved traffic flow.

The Tollway’s existence is not without controversy. Critics argue that it places an undue financial burden on drivers and businesses, particularly those who rely on the roadways for their livelihood. Some also question the transparency and accountability of the ISTHA. There have been debates about whether the tolls should eventually be removed once the construction debts are paid off, as originally intended. However, the Tollway argues that continuous reinvestment in infrastructure is necessary to maintain the safety and efficiency of the system.

The Illinois Tollway continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of the region. Ongoing projects include widening sections of roadways, upgrading interchanges, and implementing intelligent transportation systems (ITS) to improve traffic management and provide real-time information to drivers. Despite the debates and challenges, the Tollway remains a crucial component of Illinois’ transportation infrastructure, playing a significant role in the state’s economy and quality of life.