Overview
- The Illinois Tollway unveiled the Driving Connections plan on July 13, calling for a 15-year, $26.5 billion capital program to repair and expand tollway infrastructure across northern Illinois.
- The proposal sets defined increases that would take effect Jan. 1, 2027: about 45 cents more per I-PASS passenger trip, about 90 cents more for non‑I-PASS passenger trips, and roughly a 30% rise for commercial vehicle tolls with biennial CPI adjustments starting in 2029.
- Trucking groups and many drivers have criticized the plan, warning that higher commercial tolls will be passed to consumers or prompt truckers to reroute around the tollway network and change freight patterns through the Chicago region.
- The Tollway is holding public hearings from July 13–24 and will accept written comments through noon on Aug. 3 for the official record before any final vote on the proposal.
- The agency says the average passenger toll would rise from about 7 cents per mile to 11 cents per mile, which it notes is below the national average of 16 cents per mile, while supporters point to safety, job creation and long-term upkeep as benefits of the investment.