CHICAGO — The Illinois Tollway has approved 12 construction and engineering contracts totaling more than $114.1 million, advancing key roadway projects and maintenance work across northern Illinois.
The approvals, finalized during the agency’s April board meeting, will support ongoing improvements to major corridors, including the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) and the developing I-490 Tollway, along with systemwide rehabilitation efforts.
So far in 2026, the Tollway has authorized more than $219.3 million in contracts. This includes $49.9 million tied to the 15th year of its 16-year, $15 billion Move Illinois capital program, as well as $169.4 million under its seven-year, $2 billion Bridging the Future initiative. The agency’s overall capital program for 2026 calls for $1.26 billion in investment.
“Contracts approved today will allow us to continue advancing improvements on the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) project, as well as construction on the new I-490 Tollway,” Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse said in a statement. “At the same time, we are committed to the work necessary to keep the roadway pavement and bridges on our existing system well maintained for our 1.7 million daily drivers.”
The largest portion of the April approvals consists of construction contracts supporting roadway rehabilitation, reconstruction and maintenance.
Among the contracts awarded:
Additional contracts include bridge rehabilitation work on I-94/294 and I-88, pavement marking improvements, and demolition work at the Hinsdale and O’Hare Oasis locations along I-294.
In addition to construction work, the Tollway approved several engineering and design contracts to support ongoing and future projects.
These include a $20.4 million contract awarded to Burns & McDonnell Engineering Co. Inc. for construction management services on the I-490 Tollway between I-294 and I-90. Other awards include $7 million to Atlas Technical Consultants LLC for intelligent transportation systems design and $1.8 million to Gasperec Elberts Consulting LLC for interchange improvements at the I-88/I-294 connector ramps.
The April contracts also reflect the agency’s continued focus on diversity and inclusion in contracting. A total of 31 certified disadvantaged, minority- and women-owned business enterprises participated in the awards, along with 13 certified veteran-owned firms. Participation commitments for D/M/WBE firms ranged from 11.06% to 66%, while veteran-owned firm participation ranged from 1.63% to 8%.
The Illinois Tollway noted that professional engineering contracts are awarded through a qualifications-based selection process, while construction contracts are competitively bid in accordance with the Illinois Procurement Code.
With these approvals, the agency continues to move forward with critical infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving mobility, maintaining roadway conditions and supporting long-term regional growth.
Originally reported by Special to Chicago Construction News in Chicago Construction News.
.png)
.png)
