Illinois Tollway Notes

[SEWIGuy]

I-Pass transponders are officially being replaced by windshield stickers.  Stickers will be available by the end of January, but motorists can keep using their existing transponders until they expire.

https://patch.com/illinois/across-il/il-tollway-transponders-being-replaced-stickers-report

Nothing said about out-of-state I-PASS owners.  I assumed (perhaps in error) that previously ISTHA mailed a new transponder when the current one expires.  I live outside of Detroit; I don't want to have to drive to Chicago to get a sticker when my transponder expires later this year.

Nope. When my last transponder expired, I had to physically go to Illlinois to get it replaced.

[NWI_Irish96]

I-Pass transponders are officially being replaced by windshield stickers.  Stickers will be available by the end of January, but motorists can keep using their existing transponders until they expire.

https://patch.com/illinois/across-il/il-tollway-transponders-being-replaced-stickers-report

Nothing said about out-of-state I-PASS owners.  I assumed (perhaps in error) that previously ISTHA mailed a new transponder when the current one expires.  I live outside of Detroit; I don't want to have to drive to Chicago to get a sticker when my transponder expires later this year.

Nope. When my last transponder expired, I had to physically go to Illlinois to get it replaced.

You can create an Indiana Toll Road account online and order one from them.

[KelleyCook]

I-Pass transponders are officially being replaced by windshield stickers.  Stickers will be available by the end of January, but motorists can keep using their existing transponders until they expire.

https://patch.com/illinois/across-il/il-tollway-transponders-being-replaced-stickers-report

Nothing said about out-of-state I-PASS owners.  I assumed (perhaps in error) that previously ISTHA mailed a new transponder when the current one expires.  I live outside of Detroit; I don't want to have to drive to Chicago to get a sticker when my transponder expires later this year.

With the License Plate readers that Illinois now have, I personally found it easier the past few years to not bother with their transponders (or stickers) and just wait for the bill to arrive.  Then you register online and Illinois Tollway will just autobill me's a month after I drive through.  More importantly, they don't keep $35 "in reserve"

[JREwing78]

I-Pass transponders are officially being replaced by windshield stickers.  Stickers will be available by the end of January, but motorists can keep using their existing transponders until they expire.

https://patch.com/illinois/across-il/il-tollway-transponders-being-replaced-stickers-report

Nothing said about out-of-state I-PASS owners.  I assumed (perhaps in error) that previously ISTHA mailed a new transponder when the current one expires.  I live outside of Detroit; I don't want to have to drive to Chicago to get a sticker when my transponder expires later this year.

Nope. When my last transponder expired, I had to physically go to Illlinois to get it replaced.

Not exactly a hardship in my case, since I live 15 minutes from the Illinois line. You could also order a new transponder be shipped to you, and then you just apply it to your account. It just happened to be quicker/easier/cheaper in my case to stop at the Road Ranger at Exit 1 in South Beloit and get the new transponder.

It doesn't have to be an Illinois EZ-Pass transponder to get the 50% discount off ISTHA's base toll rate; an EZ-Pass from any state will work. One round trip from Wisconsin to southern Michigan and the transponder pays for itself.

[Brandon]

I-Pass transponders are officially being replaced by windshield stickers.  Stickers will be available by the end of January, but motorists can keep using their existing transponders until they expire.

https://patch.com/illinois/across-il/il-tollway-transponders-being-replaced-stickers-report

This is probably in preparation for acceptance of SunPass Mini transponders as well as compatibility with K-Tag, PikePass, and the Texas transponders (all stickers).

[SSOWorld]

I-Pass transponders are officially being replaced by windshield stickers.  Stickers will be available by the end of January, but motorists can keep using their existing transponders until they expire.

https://patch.com/illinois/across-il/il-tollway-transponders-being-replaced-stickers-report

This is probably in preparation for acceptance of SunPass Mini transponders as well as compatibility with K-Tag, PikePass, and the Texas transponders (all stickers).

could be a defection from E-Z Pass too

[mgk920]

I-Pass transponders are officially being replaced by windshield stickers.  Stickers will be available by the end of January, but motorists can keep using their existing transponders until they expire.

https://patch.com/illinois/across-il/il-tollway-transponders-being-replaced-stickers-report

This is probably in preparation for acceptance of SunPass Mini transponders as well as compatibility with K-Tag, PikePass, and the Texas transponders (all stickers).

could be a defection from E-Z Pass too

My read of the article says that this is being adopted by all of the agencies nationwide that are part of the E-E-Z Pass consortium and will be usable throughout by February.

Hmmm, I wonder if the old transponders will make good collectibles or even Christmas tree ornaments . . .

Mike

[lstone19]

I-Pass transponders are officially being replaced by windshield stickers.  Stickers will be available by the end of January, but motorists can keep using their existing transponders until they expire.

https://patch.com/illinois/across-il/il-tollway-transponders-being-replaced-stickers-report

This is probably in preparation for acceptance of SunPass Mini transponders as well as compatibility with K-Tag, PikePass, and the Texas transponders (all stickers).

could be a defection from E-Z Pass too

My read of the article says that this is being adopted by all of the agencies nationwide that are part of the E-E-Z Pass consortium and will be usable throughout by February.

Hmmm, I wonder if the old transponders will make good collectibles or even Christmas tree ornaments . . .

Mike

I didn't read it that way. I took it to me all EZ-Pass roads will be able to read ISTHA stickers, not that every agency is moving to stickers.

I wonder how this will affect rental cars. I travel with my own transponder. Considering the outrageous fees most rental car companies charge for using their own transponder or pay by plate, I suspect if I can't use my own account, I'll just shunpike my shorter trips as it won't be worth it for the short trips I make when I'm in the Chicago area.

[NWI_Irish96]

I-Pass transponders are officially being replaced by windshield stickers.  Stickers will be available by the end of January, but motorists can keep using their existing transponders until they expire.

https://patch.com/illinois/across-il/il-tollway-transponders-being-replaced-stickers-report

This is probably in preparation for acceptance of SunPass Mini transponders as well as compatibility with K-Tag, PikePass, and the Texas transponders (all stickers).

could be a defection from E-Z Pass too

My read of the article says that this is being adopted by all of the agencies nationwide that are part of the E-E-Z Pass consortium and will be usable throughout by February.

Hmmm, I wonder if the old transponders will make good collectibles or even Christmas tree ornaments . . .

Mike

I didn't read it that way. I took it to me all EZ-Pass roads will be able to read ISTHA stickers, not that every agency is moving to stickers.

I wonder how this will affect rental cars. I travel with my own transponder. Considering the outrageous fees most rental car companies charge for using their own transponder or pay by plate, I suspect if I can't use my own account, I'll just shunpike my shorter trips as it won't be worth it for the short trips I make when I'm in the Chicago area.

Indiana definitely not moving to stickers. I just had an old transponder go bad and had to get it replaced.

[GeekJedi]

I-Pass transponders are officially being replaced by windshield stickers.  Stickers will be available by the end of January, but motorists can keep using their existing transponders until they expire.

https://patch.com/illinois/across-il/il-tollway-transponders-being-replaced-stickers-report

Nothing said about out-of-state I-PASS owners.  I assumed (perhaps in error) that previously ISTHA mailed a new transponder when the current one expires.  I live outside of Detroit; I don't want to have to drive to Chicago to get a sticker when my transponder expires later this year.

Nope. When my last transponder expired, I had to physically go to Illlinois to get it replaced.

You can have them send another one to you and ship the other one back. I've done that a few times over the years.

[Revive 755]

There's an assembly with an I-490 shield and a diagonal arrow posted where the ramp to I-490 will branch off the EB I-90 C-D roadway.  The assembly is currently facing eastward (it's visible to westbound I-90 traffic).  There's also a turned exit gore sign a little further west - looks like the eastbound exit to I-490 will be 74.

[ET21]

I'm hoping to make a drive down Elmhurst/York Rd in a few weeks to check out the interchange progress. Haven't been down that way in 3 years since I moved.

[wanderer2575]

I-Pass transponders are officially being replaced by windshield stickers.  Stickers will be available by the end of January, but motorists can keep using their existing transponders until they expire.

https://patch.com/illinois/across-il/il-tollway-transponders-being-replaced-stickers-report

Nothing said about out-of-state I-PASS owners.  I assumed (perhaps in error) that previously ISTHA mailed a new transponder when the current one expires.  I live outside of Detroit; I don't want to have to drive to Chicago to get a sticker when my transponder expires later this year.

With the License Plate readers that Illinois now have, I personally found it easier the past few years to not bother with their transponders (or stickers) and just wait for the bill to arrive.  Then you register online and Illinois Tollway will just autobill me's a month after I drive through.  More importantly, they don't keep $35 "in reserve"

Thing is, I don't use it in Illinois.  In the umpteen years I've had it, I've driven on the Tollway only once.  I have it because with some regularity (at least once a year) I use it in OH and PA, plus I've used it many times in other eastern states.  The reserve balance doesn't bother me; I'm more averse to paying a monthly service fee.

[kphoger]

Hmmm, I wonder if the old transponders will make good collectibles or even Christmas tree ornaments . . .

Collect as many as you can from people.  Box them up.  White elephant gift!

[Henry]

There's an assembly with an I-490 shield and a diagonal arrow posted where the ramp to I-490 will branch off the EB I-90 C-D roadway.  The assembly is currently facing eastward (it's visible to westbound I-90 traffic).  There's also a turned exit gore sign a little further west - looks like the eastbound exit to I-490 will be 74.

That sounds about right, as Exit 73 is the Elmhurst Road exit. Does anyone know what the exit number will be off I-294? (I'm guessing 36, but it might be 35 as well, being almost equidistant between the two existing interchanges, I-290 and IL 19.)

[edwaleni]

Does anyone have any picture updates on the 294-490-390 work going down on the west side of ORD?

[Rick Powell]

Does anyone have any picture updates on the 294-490-390 work going down on the west side of ORD?

A few pics are posted at the Tollway website.
https://www.illinoistollway.com/i-490-tollway-project-construction-cameras#I-490/I-294%20Cameras

[edwaleni]

Does anyone have any picture updates on the 294-490-390 work going down on the west side of ORD?

A few pics are posted at the Tollway website.
https://www.illinoistollway.com/i-490-tollway-project-construction-cameras#I-490/I-294%20Cameras

Thanks. I recognize no one is going to go stand in 4 inches of snow and sub zero wind chill just to snap a photo or two, but I just had not seen a physical update in a long time.

[74/171FAN]

Does anyone have any picture updates on the 294-490-390 work going down on the west side of ORD?

A few pics are posted at the Tollway website.
https://www.illinoistollway.com/i-490-tollway-project-construction-cameras#I-490/I-294%20Cameras

Thanks. I recognize no one is going to go stand in 4 inches of snow and sub zero wind chill just to snap a photo or two, but I just had not seen a physical update in a long time.

I am sure some road enthusiast is up to the challenge especially now that you bring it up.

[mvak36]

This is probably a stupid question, but whenever I-490 is completed, how would someone coming in from the west on IL390 get to the O'Hare terminal? Would they have to take 490 to either I-90 or some other exit to get off on a local road?

[kphoger]

This is probably a stupid question, but whenever I-490 is completed, how would someone coming in from the west on IL390 get to the O'Hare terminal? Would they have to take 490 to either I-90 or some other exit to get off on a local road?

Personally, I'd probably still take Irving park to Mannheim, but I'm probably an oddball.

[lstone19]

This is probably a stupid question, but whenever I-490 is completed, how would someone coming in from the west on IL390 get to the O'Hare terminal? Would they have to take 490 to either I-90 or some other exit to get off on a local road?

The 90/490 interchange will be a full interchange so 390>490>90>O'Hare will be an option. Or, much as you would today, exit it to York Rd (I think there'll be an exit there - otherwise the last exit to streets and then to York Rd.) and then go either way - north to Touhy>Higgins>Mannheim to O'Hare or south to Irving Park>Mannheim>O'Hare.

I used to live in Roselle and 390>York>Irving Park>Mannheim was usually the better option than 390>290>90 (390 only goes to Busse right now but then you just continued straight on the future frontage road / former Thorndale to York).

[CtrlAltDel]

This is probably a stupid question, but whenever I-490 is completed, how would someone coming in from the west on IL390 get to the O'Hare terminal? Would they have to take 490 to either I-90 or some other exit to get off on a local road?

The 90/490 interchange will be a full interchange so 390>490>90>O'Hare will be an option. Or, much as you would today, exit it to York Rd (I think there'll be an exit there - otherwise the last exit to streets and then to York Rd.) and then go either way - north to Touhy>Higgins>Mannheim to O'Hare or south to Irving Park>Mannheim>O'Hare.

I used to live in Roselle and 390>York>Irving Park>Mannheim was usually the better option than 390>290>90 (390 only goes to Busse right now but then you just continued straight on the future frontage road / former Thorndale to York).

Will it be possible to do 390 to 490 to 294 to 190?

[lstone19]

This is probably a stupid question, but whenever I-490 is completed, how would someone coming in from the west on IL390 get to the O'Hare terminal? Would they have to take 490 to either I-90 or some other exit to get off on a local road?

The 90/490 interchange will be a full interchange so 390>490>90>O'Hare will be an option. Or, much as you would today, exit it to York Rd (I think there'll be an exit there - otherwise the last exit to streets and then to York Rd.) and then go either way - north to Touhy>Higgins>Mannheim to O'Hare or south to Irving Park>Mannheim>O'Hare.

I used to live in Roselle and 390>York>Irving Park>Mannheim was usually the better option than 390>290>90 (390 only goes to Busse right now but then you just continued straight on the future frontage road / former Thorndale to York).

Will it be possible to do 390 to 490 to 294 to 190?

Per the drawings posted on the Tollway's website, the 490/294 interchange will be to/from the south only. So no, you can't go 490 south to 294 north.

[hobsini2]

You can not go north on 294 from 490 in the current configuration plan.
https://www.illinoistollway.com/projects/490/294-interchange-project