I-294 opens six lanes near Hinsdale in both directions

Hinsdale-area commuters on I-294 now have six lanes of traffic in both directions between I-55 and Ogden Avenue after the Illinois Tollway opened new lanes during the week of Oct. 22.

The lane openings are part of the $4 billion Central Tri-State Tollway Project, which is reconstructing and widening I-294 between Balmoral Avenue and 95th Street. More than 220,000 vehicles use this stretch of the Tri-State Tollway daily, according to the Illinois Tollway.

The extra capacity arrives as the Tollway shifts traffic into winter configurations. Later in October, drivers between Ogden Avenue and the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88) will see additional changes: five northbound lanes on I-294 between Ogden Avenue and Cermak Road, five southbound lanes between I-88 and Ogden Avenue, and a second lane reopening on the ramp connecting eastbound I-88 to southbound I-294.

The Tollway said construction and electronic message signs will be placed in advance to alert drivers to overnight lane closures and traffic shifts during the transition. All work is weather dependent.

The Village of Hinsdale, Village of Oak Brook and Village of Burr Ridge are among the local governments coordinating with the Tollway and the Illinois Department of Transportation on the project, as My Suburban Life reported.

Mainline roadway work on I-294 between I-88 and I-55 is scheduled to continue through 2027, according to the Tollway. The agency is rebuilding the roadway to eventually provide up to six lanes in both directions with wider inside shoulders to integrate Flex Lanes.

Separately, the Tollway has invested $8.9 million to reconfigure the Ogden Avenue Interchange from a cloverleaf design to a partial cloverleaf. That project began in 2022 and was scheduled for completion in 2026, according to a Village of Hinsdale press release. Up to 40,000 vehicles use the interchange daily, with about 33,600 traveling on Ogden Avenue in the area.

A 45 mph work zone speed limit remains in effect on I-294 around the clock throughout the construction season. Illinois State Police enforce zero tolerance for speeding in work zones, with a minimum fine of $250.

Drivers can check the Tollway's daily construction alert at illinoistollway.com for up-to-date closure information.