Next year, the tollway will begin a two year improvement project on the Farnsworth Avenue Interchange on I-88. They have the project on their schedule for bidding in the Spring.
Does anyone have any information as to what they will be doing? I hope they will reconfigure the ramps and not just rebuild the existing cloverleaf.
I assume they'll maybe do something similar to either Winfield Rd or maybe like Orchard Road. Whatever they do, eliminating that awful merging hellhole underneath the bridge will help out no matter what
Quote from: ET21 on October 30, 2015, 05:55:02 PM
I assume they'll maybe do something similar to either Winfield Rd or maybe like Orchard Road. Whatever they do, eliminating that awful merging hellhole underneath the bridge will help out no matter what
True. I am surprised they are not reconfiguring the IL-31 interchange, it has a similar design. Because that is the only precedent, I am afraid they'll only rebuild the bridge and the existing ramps without doing any reconfiguring.
Update!
http://ihcconstruction.com/bids/opportunities/bidopphh/istha-i-15-4248-farnsworth-ave-over-i-88/
It says they're removing two of the loop ramps and installing two new signals. I'm guessing they're gonna convert it to a Parclo A4 (I think that's what it's called). Knowing Illinois, it'll be similar to this interchange.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5533937,-87.8523423,16.25z
Could be more like the 47 @ I90 interchange maybe?
Quote from: quickshade on February 18, 2016, 11:30:41 AM
Could be more like the 47 @ I90 interchange maybe?
Oh you're right! That's a possibility too. With the two cloverleafs on the west side of the interchange. Not sure of the WB entrance ramp would require a signal, though. Probably just for the left-turners.
That would work nicely, I was thinking they'd do the orchard road example. But looking at it, they would still need flowing ramps for the mall traffic
http://www.jbconstructionco.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Plans-I-15-4248-Vol-1-1-100.pdf (http://www.jbconstructionco.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Plans-I-15-4248-Vol-1-1-100.pdf)
Pretty sure these are the construction plans.
Interesting.
They are removing the two eastern loop ramps that carry NB Farnsworth Traffic to WB I-88 and from EB I-88 to NB Farnsworth.
However, they do not seem to be reconfiguring the remaining ramps, nor reconstructing the toll plazas to modernize them.
Why don't they just go ahead and remove all the loops and make it a standard diamond interchange?
Quote from: I-39 on February 19, 2016, 01:42:36 PM
Interesting.
They are removing the two eastern loop ramps that carry NB Farnsworth Traffic to WB I-88 and from EB I-88 to NB Farnsworth.
However, they do not seem to be reconfiguring the remaining ramps, nor reconstructing the toll plazas to modernize them.
Why don't they just go ahead and remove all the loops and make it a standard diamond interchange?
You were right, quickshade. It IS going to be like the 47/90 interchange!
They want to improve flow toward/away from the city during rush hours. This configuration gets rid of having an exit right after an entrance along I-88. I guess they don't care as much if that situation arises along Farnsworth SB.
I would have guessed they would collect both eastbound entrance ramps together into a separate lane, then put the toll plaza at the end of it, next to the mainline, like in this situation. I guess they can get away with moving none of the plazas, after all. https://www.google.com/maps/@41.8439072,-87.9568598,337m/data=!3m1!1e3
Also the plans you posted were just the first 100 pages (out of 421). The rest can be found here
http://www.jbconstructionco.com/uncategorized/istha-i-15-4248-bridge-recon-interchange-improve-farnsworth-ave-over-i88/
Quote from: paulthemapguy on February 19, 2016, 03:37:13 PM
Quote from: I-39 on February 19, 2016, 01:42:36 PM
Interesting.
They are removing the two eastern loop ramps that carry NB Farnsworth Traffic to WB I-88 and from EB I-88 to NB Farnsworth.
However, they do not seem to be reconfiguring the remaining ramps, nor reconstructing the toll plazas to modernize them.
Why don't they just go ahead and remove all the loops and make it a standard diamond interchange?
You were right, quickshade. It IS going to be like the 47/90 interchange!
They want to improve flow toward/away from the city during rush hours. This configuration gets rid of having an exit right after an entrance along I-88. I guess they don't care as much if that situation arises along Farnsworth SB.
Having driven Farnsworth quite a few times, I doubt it'll be much of an issue on Farnsworth. Plus, the speed limit there goes from 40 to 30 heading southbound, so traffic really doesn't have to speed up much (if at all) to merge onto Farnsworth. On the tollway though, it is a big problem and issue. Note the extra lane added after the loop ramp, eastbound.
Idk, if I were ISTHA, I'd also be reconstructing/realigning the other ramps (NB Farnsworth to EB I-88 and WB I-88 to NB Farnsworth) as well as combining the Toll Plazas like they did on the IL-47 interchange.
However, eventually, they are going to need to rebuild/widen I-88 to eight lanes from IL-59 west to IL-31, so perhaps they might do a Phase II of this project when that happens and do what I described above.
I read that they had already modernized the toll plaza about 2-3 years ago? Is that information incorrect. It has been some years since I have traveled that area frequently but I know the tollway did some work on them not long ago. The added lane on I88 seems to indicate that it will be built to handle extra lanes on I88 in the future.
Quote from: quickshade on February 20, 2016, 10:51:00 AM
I read that they had already modernized the toll plaza about 2-3 years ago? Is that information incorrect. It has been some years since I have traveled that area frequently but I know the tollway did some work on them not long ago. The added lane on I88 seems to indicate that it will be built to handle extra lanes on I88 in the future.
They did, along with "detail work" on the merging lanes. Essentially it helped to move traffic faster as cars going to and from the mall would back up just to pay a 85 cent toll.
Quote from: quickshade on February 20, 2016, 10:51:00 AM
I read that they had already modernized the toll plaza about 2-3 years ago? Is that information incorrect. It has been some years since I have traveled that area frequently but I know the tollway did some work on them not long ago. The added lane on I88 seems to indicate that it will be built to handle extra lanes on I88 in the future.
They only rebuilt two of them, the SB Farnsworth to EB I-88 and the WB I-88 to NB Farnsworth toll plazas.
The NB Farnsworth to EB I-88 and WB I-88 to SB Farnsworth toll plazas are still the originals. I am surprised they are not being rebuilt/reconfigured as part of this, since they seem to be replacing the remaining plazas with that design elsewhere on the system (i.e IL-31/I-90 and the IL-25/I-90 interchanges).
Maybe a phase 3 later on down the road then? Weird that they wouldn't do it now but it wouldn't be the first time i've seen something like this.
EDIT: I'm going to route my way down there next time I have a meeting down south, my Mom use to live down off Orchard road so I got to see that whole area really take off, including Orchard road becoming what it is today compared to what it was 20 years ago.
Quote from: I-39 on February 20, 2016, 11:35:22 AM
They only rebuilt two of them, the SB Farnsworth to EB I-88 and the WB I-88 to NB Farnsworth toll plazas.
The NB Farnsworth to EB I-88 and WB I-88 to SB Farnsworth toll plazas are still the originals. I am surprised they are not being rebuilt/reconfigured as part of this, since they seem to be replacing the remaining plazas with that design elsewhere on the system (i.e IL-31/I-90 and the IL-25/I-90 interchanges).
I always thought it was strange to put a dinky little plaza in the middle of a cloverleaf loop, especially if it's an entrance ramp. Since they're retaining the toll plaza on the southwesterly loop ramp, isn't anyone worried that the plaza will cause queues that back up onto SB Farnsworth?
Well, it's official, the plans are now on the Illinois Tollway website.
http://www.illinoistollway.com/construction-and-planning/projects-by-roadway/reagan-memorial-tollway-i-88/farnsworth-avenue-interchange-project (http://www.illinoistollway.com/construction-and-planning/projects-by-roadway/reagan-memorial-tollway-i-88/farnsworth-avenue-interchange-project)
It's pretty much what was described above. They'll be making it similar to the IL-47 interchange. Basically, the existing bridge will be reconstructed and lengthened and two loop ramps will be removed. The WB entrance and EB exit ramps will be reconfigured to have signalized intersections.
However, these plans lead me to believe that there will be a Phase 2 of this project in the future that will address the remaining ramps and toll plazas. I bet you when they rebuild/widen I-88 to eight lanes west of IL-59 to the Fox River, they reconfigure the remaining ramps and consolidate the toll plazas sort of like they did at IL-47 for WB traffic exiting and EB traffic entering.
So this year, they're gonna take out the easterly two loop ramps and just leave them? Kind of harsh, though it doesn't affect traffic commuting toward the city. Will they make people just do a U-Turn to access WB I-88 from the northbound lanes? What will the detours be?
Quote from: I-39 on March 16, 2016, 01:38:49 PM
Well, it's official, the plans are now on the Illinois Tollway website.
http://www.illinoistollway.com/construction-and-planning/projects-by-roadway/reagan-memorial-tollway-i-88/farnsworth-avenue-interchange-project (http://www.illinoistollway.com/construction-and-planning/projects-by-roadway/reagan-memorial-tollway-i-88/farnsworth-avenue-interchange-project)
It's pretty much what was described above. They'll be making it similar to the IL-47 interchange. Basically, the existing bridge will be reconstructed and lengthened and two loop ramps will be removed. The WB entrance and EB exit ramps will be reconfigured to have signalized intersections.
However, these plans lead me to believe that there will be a Phase 2 of this project in the future that will address the remaining ramps and toll plazas. I bet you when they rebuild/widen I-88 to eight lanes west of IL-59 to the Fox River, they reconfigure the remaining ramps and consolidate the toll plazas sort of like they did at IL-47 for WB traffic exiting and EB traffic entering.
ITHSA is also "fixing" their mistake on 355 as well by adding a "real" fourth lane on 355 between 71st and 75th street as well.
I wonder when the bonds of the 2005 Congestion relief program when they added lanes on 294, 88, and 90 will be due. That's probably when ITHSA will sell more bonds and widen 88 to 8 lanes from 59 to at least the aurora toll plaza.
Quote from: johndoe780 on March 16, 2016, 03:26:28 PM
Quote from: I-39 on March 16, 2016, 01:38:49 PM
Well, it's official, the plans are now on the Illinois Tollway website.
http://www.illinoistollway.com/construction-and-planning/projects-by-roadway/reagan-memorial-tollway-i-88/farnsworth-avenue-interchange-project (http://www.illinoistollway.com/construction-and-planning/projects-by-roadway/reagan-memorial-tollway-i-88/farnsworth-avenue-interchange-project)
It's pretty much what was described above. They'll be making it similar to the IL-47 interchange. Basically, the existing bridge will be reconstructed and lengthened and two loop ramps will be removed. The WB entrance and EB exit ramps will be reconfigured to have signalized intersections.
However, these plans lead me to believe that there will be a Phase 2 of this project in the future that will address the remaining ramps and toll plazas. I bet you when they rebuild/widen I-88 to eight lanes west of IL-59 to the Fox River, they reconfigure the remaining ramps and consolidate the toll plazas sort of like they did at IL-47 for WB traffic exiting and EB traffic entering.
ITHSA is also "fixing" their mistake on 355 as well by adding a "real" fourth lane on 355 between 71st and 75th street as well.
I wonder when the bonds of the 2005 Congestion relief program when they added lanes on 294, 88, and 90 will be due. That's probably when ITHSA will sell more bonds and widen 88 to 8 lanes from 59 to at least the aurora toll plaza.
I wonder if they'll add it to Move Illinois like they did for the I-355 resurfacing/widening between I-88 and Bolingbrook. That was added to the Congestion-Relief Program later after it's initial approval.
Quote from: I-39 on March 16, 2016, 10:24:23 PM
I wonder if they'll add it to Move Illinois like they did for the I-355 resurfacing/widening between I-88 and Bolingbrook. That was added to the Congestion-Relief Program later after it's initial approval.
And if we Move Illinois, can we please move it next to the Pacific Ocean? That would be great :biggrin:
Seriously someone had to make fun of all these highway budget initiatives being named "Moving <place>" or "<Place> Moves". There are so many of them and the wordplay is a tired concept :meh:
Quote from: I-39 on March 16, 2016, 10:24:23 PM
Quote from: johndoe780 on March 16, 2016, 03:26:28 PM
Quote from: I-39 on March 16, 2016, 01:38:49 PM
Well, it's official, the plans are now on the Illinois Tollway website.
http://www.illinoistollway.com/construction-and-planning/projects-by-roadway/reagan-memorial-tollway-i-88/farnsworth-avenue-interchange-project (http://www.illinoistollway.com/construction-and-planning/projects-by-roadway/reagan-memorial-tollway-i-88/farnsworth-avenue-interchange-project)
It's pretty much what was described above. They'll be making it similar to the IL-47 interchange. Basically, the existing bridge will be reconstructed and lengthened and two loop ramps will be removed. The WB entrance and EB exit ramps will be reconfigured to have signalized intersections.
However, these plans lead me to believe that there will be a Phase 2 of this project in the future that will address the remaining ramps and toll plazas. I bet you when they rebuild/widen I-88 to eight lanes west of IL-59 to the Fox River, they reconfigure the remaining ramps and consolidate the toll plazas sort of like they did at IL-47 for WB traffic exiting and EB traffic entering.
ITHSA is also "fixing" their mistake on 355 as well by adding a "real" fourth lane on 355 between 71st and 75th street as well.
I wonder when the bonds of the 2005 Congestion relief program when they added lanes on 294, 88, and 90 will be due. That's probably when ITHSA will sell more bonds and widen 88 to 8 lanes from 59 to at least the aurora toll plaza.
I wonder if they'll add it to Move Illinois like they did for the I-355 resurfacing/widening between I-88 and Bolingbrook. That was added to the Congestion-Relief Program later after it's initial approval.
I don't think the cost associated with widening 88 will be significant, but the bridgework over the fox river will be.
In the interim, widening 88 to 8 lanes to at least Farnsworth wouldn't be a bad idea.
Quote from: johndoe780 on March 17, 2016, 03:06:26 PM
Quote from: I-39 on March 16, 2016, 10:24:23 PM
Quote from: johndoe780 on March 16, 2016, 03:26:28 PM
Quote from: I-39 on March 16, 2016, 01:38:49 PM
Well, it's official, the plans are now on the Illinois Tollway website.
http://www.illinoistollway.com/construction-and-planning/projects-by-roadway/reagan-memorial-tollway-i-88/farnsworth-avenue-interchange-project (http://www.illinoistollway.com/construction-and-planning/projects-by-roadway/reagan-memorial-tollway-i-88/farnsworth-avenue-interchange-project)
It's pretty much what was described above. They'll be making it similar to the IL-47 interchange. Basically, the existing bridge will be reconstructed and lengthened and two loop ramps will be removed. The WB entrance and EB exit ramps will be reconfigured to have signalized intersections.
However, these plans lead me to believe that there will be a Phase 2 of this project in the future that will address the remaining ramps and toll plazas. I bet you when they rebuild/widen I-88 to eight lanes west of IL-59 to the Fox River, they reconfigure the remaining ramps and consolidate the toll plazas sort of like they did at IL-47 for WB traffic exiting and EB traffic entering.
ITHSA is also "fixing" their mistake on 355 as well by adding a "real" fourth lane on 355 between 71st and 75th street as well.
I wonder when the bonds of the 2005 Congestion relief program when they added lanes on 294, 88, and 90 will be due. That's probably when ITHSA will sell more bonds and widen 88 to 8 lanes from 59 to at least the aurora toll plaza.
I wonder if they'll add it to Move Illinois like they did for the I-355 resurfacing/widening between I-88 and Bolingbrook. That was added to the Congestion-Relief Program later after it's initial approval.
I don't think the cost associated with widening 88 will be significant, but the bridgework over the fox river will be.
In the interim, widening 88 to 8 lanes to at least Farnsworth wouldn't be a bad idea.
They wouldn't need to do anything with the Fox River bridge, it's already an 8 lane bridge, the fourth lane is an auxiliary lane for the Aurora Toll Plaza eastbound and IL-31 westbound respectively. The Aurora Toll Plaza is configured to accommodate a fourth ORT lane, all that would need to be done there is some pavement marking modifications. The only reconstruction/widening work would need to be done is from IL-59 to the Toll Plaza.
They should add it to Move Illinois and start planning for it as soon as the Jane Addams rebuild wraps up and the Central Tri-State rebuild is underway.
Quote from: I-39 on March 17, 2016, 04:41:58 PM
Quote from: johndoe780 on March 17, 2016, 03:06:26 PM
Quote from: I-39 on March 16, 2016, 10:24:23 PM
Quote from: johndoe780 on March 16, 2016, 03:26:28 PM
Quote from: I-39 on March 16, 2016, 01:38:49 PM
Well, it's official, the plans are now on the Illinois Tollway website.
http://www.illinoistollway.com/construction-and-planning/projects-by-roadway/reagan-memorial-tollway-i-88/farnsworth-avenue-interchange-project (http://www.illinoistollway.com/construction-and-planning/projects-by-roadway/reagan-memorial-tollway-i-88/farnsworth-avenue-interchange-project)
It's pretty much what was described above. They'll be making it similar to the IL-47 interchange. Basically, the existing bridge will be reconstructed and lengthened and two loop ramps will be removed. The WB entrance and EB exit ramps will be reconfigured to have signalized intersections.
However, these plans lead me to believe that there will be a Phase 2 of this project in the future that will address the remaining ramps and toll plazas. I bet you when they rebuild/widen I-88 to eight lanes west of IL-59 to the Fox River, they reconfigure the remaining ramps and consolidate the toll plazas sort of like they did at IL-47 for WB traffic exiting and EB traffic entering.
ITHSA is also "fixing" their mistake on 355 as well by adding a "real" fourth lane on 355 between 71st and 75th street as well.
I wonder when the bonds of the 2005 Congestion relief program when they added lanes on 294, 88, and 90 will be due. That's probably when ITHSA will sell more bonds and widen 88 to 8 lanes from 59 to at least the aurora toll plaza.
I wonder if they'll add it to Move Illinois like they did for the I-355 resurfacing/widening between I-88 and Bolingbrook. That was added to the Congestion-Relief Program later after it's initial approval.
I don't think the cost associated with widening 88 will be significant, but the bridgework over the fox river will be.
In the interim, widening 88 to 8 lanes to at least Farnsworth wouldn't be a bad idea.
They wouldn't need to do anything with the Fox River bridge, it's already an 8 lane bridge, the fourth lane is an auxiliary lane for the Aurora Toll Plaza eastbound and IL-31 westbound respectively. The Aurora Toll Plaza is configured to accommodate a fourth ORT lane, all that would need to be done there is some pavement marking modifications. The only reconstruction/widening work would need to be done is from IL-59 to the Toll Plaza.
They should add it to Move Illinois and start planning for it as soon as the Jane Addams rebuild wraps up and the Central Tri-State rebuild is underway.
Just google mapped it, you're right.
Jane addams is almost done, maybe a little ahead of schedule due to the warm winter, but it'll be complete the end of this year.
EOE, I mean 390, is already done from Lake to 290.
When is the tollway going to break ground on construction on widening 294, next year(2017) or the year after? (2018?)
I would want 294 to have express lanes straight from 95th street to balmoral ave. Similar to the Dan ryan, 3 lanes express + 2 lanes truckers and local.
Quote from: johndoe780 on March 17, 2016, 04:59:09 PM
Quote from: I-39 on March 17, 2016, 04:41:58 PM
Quote from: johndoe780 on March 17, 2016, 03:06:26 PM
Quote from: I-39 on March 16, 2016, 10:24:23 PM
Quote from: johndoe780 on March 16, 2016, 03:26:28 PM
Quote from: I-39 on March 16, 2016, 01:38:49 PM
Well, it's official, the plans are now on the Illinois Tollway website.
http://www.illinoistollway.com/construction-and-planning/projects-by-roadway/reagan-memorial-tollway-i-88/farnsworth-avenue-interchange-project (http://www.illinoistollway.com/construction-and-planning/projects-by-roadway/reagan-memorial-tollway-i-88/farnsworth-avenue-interchange-project)
It's pretty much what was described above. They'll be making it similar to the IL-47 interchange. Basically, the existing bridge will be reconstructed and lengthened and two loop ramps will be removed. The WB entrance and EB exit ramps will be reconfigured to have signalized intersections.
However, these plans lead me to believe that there will be a Phase 2 of this project in the future that will address the remaining ramps and toll plazas. I bet you when they rebuild/widen I-88 to eight lanes west of IL-59 to the Fox River, they reconfigure the remaining ramps and consolidate the toll plazas sort of like they did at IL-47 for WB traffic exiting and EB traffic entering.
ITHSA is also "fixing" their mistake on 355 as well by adding a "real" fourth lane on 355 between 71st and 75th street as well.
I wonder when the bonds of the 2005 Congestion relief program when they added lanes on 294, 88, and 90 will be due. That's probably when ITHSA will sell more bonds and widen 88 to 8 lanes from 59 to at least the aurora toll plaza.
I wonder if they'll add it to Move Illinois like they did for the I-355 resurfacing/widening between I-88 and Bolingbrook. That was added to the Congestion-Relief Program later after it's initial approval.
I don't think the cost associated with widening 88 will be significant, but the bridgework over the fox river will be.
In the interim, widening 88 to 8 lanes to at least Farnsworth wouldn't be a bad idea.
They wouldn't need to do anything with the Fox River bridge, it's already an 8 lane bridge, the fourth lane is an auxiliary lane for the Aurora Toll Plaza eastbound and IL-31 westbound respectively. The Aurora Toll Plaza is configured to accommodate a fourth ORT lane, all that would need to be done there is some pavement marking modifications. The only reconstruction/widening work would need to be done is from IL-59 to the Toll Plaza.
They should add it to Move Illinois and start planning for it as soon as the Jane Addams rebuild wraps up and the Central Tri-State rebuild is underway.
Just google mapped it, you're right.
Jane addams is almost done, maybe a little ahead of schedule due to the warm winter, but it'll be complete the end of this year.
EOE, I mean 390, is already done from Lake to 290.
When is the tollway going to break ground on construction on widening 294, next year(2017) or the year after? (2018?)
I would want 294 to have express lanes straight from 95th street to balmoral ave. Similar to the Dan ryan, 3 lanes express + 2 lanes truckers and local.
The Central Tri-State rebuild will not start until 2020 unfortunately, so I should have said when the Central Tri-State rebuild planning is substantially complete (2017-2018).
Interestingly, the Tollway will go ahead and rebuild the section of I-88 between York Road and I-290 as well as the connector ramps between I-88 and I-294 (which for some odd reason was omitted from the 2008-2009 rebuild/widen in that area) either in 2017 or 2018.
After the Jane Addams rebuild wraps up (this year) and the eastern extension of IL-390 is finished (next year), the focus will shift primarily to the Central Tri-State rebuild and the West Bypass (I-490). Also, you have Phase 2 of the I-57/294 interchange somewhere in there. Because of all this, I'm not sure if I-88 between IL-59 and the Aurora Toll Plaza will be getting any attention anytime in the next decade.
Quote from: I-39 on March 17, 2016, 07:05:36 PM
The Central Tri-State rebuild will not start until 2020 unfortunately, so I should have said when the Central Tri-State rebuild planning is substantially complete (2017-2018).
Interestingly, the Tollway will go ahead and rebuild the section of I-88 between York Road and I-290 as well as the connector ramps between I-88 and I-294 (which for some odd reason was omitted from the 2008-2009 rebuild/widen in that area) either in 2017 or 2018.
After the Jane Addams rebuild wraps up (this year) and the eastern extension of IL-390 is finished (next year), the focus will shift primarily to the Central Tri-State rebuild and the West Bypass (I-490). Also, you have Phase 2 of the I-57/294 interchange somewhere in there. Because of all this, I'm not sure if I-88 between IL-59 and the Aurora Toll Plaza will be getting any attention anytime in the next decade.
^^^^ Not to mention the serious look into the 53/120 extension, which I would think would get a lot more attention during the Tri-State rebuild as their next major project.
Quote from: I-39 on March 17, 2016, 07:05:36 PM
The Central Tri-State rebuild will not start until 2020 unfortunately, so I should have said when the Central Tri-State rebuild planning is substantially complete (2017-2018).
Interestingly, the Tollway will go ahead and rebuild the section of I-88 between York Road and I-290 as well as the connector ramps between I-88 and I-294 (which for some odd reason was omitted from the 2008-2009 rebuild/widen in that area) either in 2017 or 2018.
After the Jane Addams rebuild wraps up (this year) and the eastern extension of IL-390 is finished (next year), the focus will shift primarily to the Central Tri-State rebuild and the West Bypass (I-490). Also, you have Phase 2 of the I-57/294 interchange somewhere in there. Because of all this, I'm not sure if I-88 between IL-59 and the Aurora Toll Plaza will be getting any attention anytime in the next decade.
No attention to expanding I-88 in the immediate future? I am okay with this, and I'm originally from the Aurora area (Party on, Wayne). I-88 kind of just had its turn in the 2000's (the 'naughts'). Then it was the I-355 extension and now over to I-90 and IL390. ISTHA seems to let its different highways "take turns," and I-88 kinda just had its turn. When 90's turn is over, it'll be I-294's turn. This is fine...plus IL59 serves as a logical western endpoint of the eight-lane section because that interchange is so heavily-traveled. A good proportion of the traffic in and out of Chicago via I-88 comes from that IL59 region. There's a reason they widened IL59 to 6 lanes and put a big DDI there lol
Quote from: paulthemapguy on March 17, 2016, 08:54:34 PM
Quote from: I-39 on March 17, 2016, 07:05:36 PM
The Central Tri-State rebuild will not start until 2020 unfortunately, so I should have said when the Central Tri-State rebuild planning is substantially complete (2017-2018).
Interestingly, the Tollway will go ahead and rebuild the section of I-88 between York Road and I-290 as well as the connector ramps between I-88 and I-294 (which for some odd reason was omitted from the 2008-2009 rebuild/widen in that area) either in 2017 or 2018.
After the Jane Addams rebuild wraps up (this year) and the eastern extension of IL-390 is finished (next year), the focus will shift primarily to the Central Tri-State rebuild and the West Bypass (I-490). Also, you have Phase 2 of the I-57/294 interchange somewhere in there. Because of all this, I'm not sure if I-88 between IL-59 and the Aurora Toll Plaza will be getting any attention anytime in the next decade.
No attention to expanding I-88 in the immediate future? I am okay with this, and I'm originally from the Aurora area (Party on, Wayne). I-88 kind of just had its turn in the 2000's (the 'naughts'). Then it was the I-355 extension and now over to I-90 and IL390. ISTHA seems to let its different highways "take turns," and I-88 kinda just had its turn. When 90's turn is over, it'll be I-294's turn. This is fine...plus IL59 serves as a logical western endpoint of the eight-lane section because that interchange is so heavily-traveled. A good proportion of the traffic in and out of Chicago via I-88 comes from that IL59 region. There's a reason they widened IL59 to 6 lanes and put a big DDI there lol
I-294 technically already "had it's turn" as well with the reconstruction and widening of the Northern (I-90 to the Wisconsin border) and Southern (95th street to IL-394) sections. This I-294 rebuild deals with the Central portion that was previously widened to eight lanes in 1992-1993 and was only resurfaced during the Congestion-Relief Program. It was never fully reconstructed and still has portions dating back to the original 1958 construction.
I guess they omitted the section of I-88 between IL-59 and the Fox River during the late 2000's rebuild/widen because that section was already rebuilt/widened from four to six lanes sometime between 1998 and 2000. However, traffic regularly backs up in that segment during Rush hour. In fact, go on Google Street view on the Church Road bridge west of Farnsworth (it was updated last August so it's the new overpass) and you'll see the traffic backup. The fourth lane should go west to IL-31.
It's not a huge priority, but it's something that needs to be addressed within the next 10-15 years.
Quote from: I-39 on March 17, 2016, 07:05:36 PM
Quote from: johndoe780 on March 17, 2016, 04:59:09 PM
Quote from: I-39 on March 17, 2016, 04:41:58 PM
Quote from: johndoe780 on March 17, 2016, 03:06:26 PM
Quote from: I-39 on March 16, 2016, 10:24:23 PM
Quote from: johndoe780 on March 16, 2016, 03:26:28 PM
Quote from: I-39 on March 16, 2016, 01:38:49 PM
Well, it's official, the plans are now on the Illinois Tollway website.
http://www.illinoistollway.com/construction-and-planning/projects-by-roadway/reagan-memorial-tollway-i-88/farnsworth-avenue-interchange-project (http://www.illinoistollway.com/construction-and-planning/projects-by-roadway/reagan-memorial-tollway-i-88/farnsworth-avenue-interchange-project)
It's pretty much what was described above. They'll be making it similar to the IL-47 interchange. Basically, the existing bridge will be reconstructed and lengthened and two loop ramps will be removed. The WB entrance and EB exit ramps will be reconfigured to have signalized intersections.
However, these plans lead me to believe that there will be a Phase 2 of this project in the future that will address the remaining ramps and toll plazas. I bet you when they rebuild/widen I-88 to eight lanes west of IL-59 to the Fox River, they reconfigure the remaining ramps and consolidate the toll plazas sort of like they did at IL-47 for WB traffic exiting and EB traffic entering.
ITHSA is also "fixing" their mistake on 355 as well by adding a "real" fourth lane on 355 between 71st and 75th street as well.
I wonder when the bonds of the 2005 Congestion relief program when they added lanes on 294, 88, and 90 will be due. That's probably when ITHSA will sell more bonds and widen 88 to 8 lanes from 59 to at least the aurora toll plaza.
I wonder if they'll add it to Move Illinois like they did for the I-355 resurfacing/widening between I-88 and Bolingbrook. That was added to the Congestion-Relief Program later after it's initial approval.
I don't think the cost associated with widening 88 will be significant, but the bridgework over the fox river will be.
In the interim, widening 88 to 8 lanes to at least Farnsworth wouldn't be a bad idea.
They wouldn't need to do anything with the Fox River bridge, it's already an 8 lane bridge, the fourth lane is an auxiliary lane for the Aurora Toll Plaza eastbound and IL-31 westbound respectively. The Aurora Toll Plaza is configured to accommodate a fourth ORT lane, all that would need to be done there is some pavement marking modifications. The only reconstruction/widening work would need to be done is from IL-59 to the Toll Plaza.
They should add it to Move Illinois and start planning for it as soon as the Jane Addams rebuild wraps up and the Central Tri-State rebuild is underway.
Just google mapped it, you're right.
Jane addams is almost done, maybe a little ahead of schedule due to the warm winter, but it'll be complete the end of this year.
EOE, I mean 390, is already done from Lake to 290.
When is the tollway going to break ground on construction on widening 294, next year(2017) or the year after? (2018?)
I would want 294 to have express lanes straight from 95th street to balmoral ave. Similar to the Dan ryan, 3 lanes express + 2 lanes truckers and local.
The Central Tri-State rebuild will not start until 2020 unfortunately, so I should have said when the Central Tri-State rebuild planning is substantially complete (2017-2018).
Interestingly, the Tollway will go ahead and rebuild the section of I-88 between York Road and I-290 as well as the connector ramps between I-88 and I-294 (which for some odd reason was omitted from the 2008-2009 rebuild/widen in that area) either in 2017 or 2018.
After the Jane Addams rebuild wraps up (this year) and the eastern extension of IL-390 is finished (next year), the focus will shift primarily to the Central Tri-State rebuild and the West Bypass (I-490). Also, you have Phase 2 of the I-57/294 interchange somewhere in there. Because of all this, I'm not sure if I-88 between IL-59 and the Aurora Toll Plaza will be getting any attention anytime in the next decade.
I know there's land acquisition and planning and whatnot, but 2025 is awfully far away for I-490. And I-490 plan still doesn't even include the connector to O'hare.
Hopefully the new O'hare chief, Ginger Evans, is already working on it. She definitely is no slouch when it comes to O'hare.
Will this be ipass only becasue if it is that means when my Driver Lisence i wont get fornsworth unless i have my EZ-pass if i had one
Quote from: lucas01aswell on March 18, 2016, 04:46:14 PM
Will this be ipass only becasue if it is that means when my Driver Lisence i wont get fornsworth unless i have my EZ-pass if i had one
What????
If you're using the tollways, yes you need an I-Pass and EZ-Pass is accepted. Farnsworth will still include the toll booths for the westbound exit and eastbound entrance
^ Last I heard, other than the I-90 interchange with IL 47 and the section of IL 390 west of I-290, if ISTHA modifies a toll plaza for an existing ramp, or adds tolls to an existing ramp - as for the EB entrances to I-90 from Barrington and Roselle Roads - they will provide a cash lane with the modified/new toll plaza.
Quote from: lucas01aswell on March 18, 2016, 04:46:14 PM
Will this be ipass only becasue if it is that means when my Driver Lisence i wont get fornsworth unless i have my EZ-pass if i had one
This project won't be dealing with the Toll Plazas on the Farnsworth ramps. They will remain exactly as they are now. But as I said, I bet you there will be a future Phase 2 where they modify the ramps and consolidate the Toll Plazas for both the exit and entrance ramps like they did for IL-47. It would likely happen if/when I-88 is widened to eight lanes from IL-59 west to the Fox River.
Quote from: Revive 755 on March 19, 2016, 08:33:36 PM
^ Last I heard, other than the I-90 interchange with IL 47 and the section of IL 390 west of I-290, if ISTHA modifies a toll plaza for an existing ramp, or adds tolls to an existing ramp - as for the EB entrances to I-90 from Barrington and Roselle Roads - they will provide a cash lane with the modified/new toll plaza.
I thought they've been starting to phase out cash lanes slowly and going with using ipass all together. Just seems like that since more newer ramps or exits are getting ipass only booths
Quote from: ET21 on March 19, 2016, 11:38:00 PM
I thought they've been starting to phase out cash lanes slowly and going with using ipass all together. Just seems like that since more newer ramps or exits are getting ipass only booths
I don't think they can reasonably phase out all the manual toll booths and replace them ALL with iPass booths, because out-of-staters and newcomers would have to buy the little transponder just to use the road. That wouldn't be fair imo. But they have been setting up certain exits to be IPass only, like the I-88-Eola Rd exit.
Quote from: paulthemapguy on March 21, 2016, 12:35:31 AM
Quote from: ET21 on March 19, 2016, 11:38:00 PM
I thought they've been starting to phase out cash lanes slowly and going with using ipass all together. Just seems like that since more newer ramps or exits are getting ipass only booths
I don't think they can reasonably phase out all the manual toll booths and replace them ALL with iPass booths, because out-of-staters and newcomers would have to buy the little transponder just to use the road. That wouldn't be fair imo. But they have been setting up certain exits to be IPass only, like the I-88-Eola Rd exit.
Eola road exit is mostly for locals anyways.
Quote from: johndoe780 on March 21, 2016, 04:13:08 PM
Quote from: paulthemapguy on March 21, 2016, 12:35:31 AM
Quote from: ET21 on March 19, 2016, 11:38:00 PM
I thought they've been starting to phase out cash lanes slowly and going with using ipass all together. Just seems like that since more newer ramps or exits are getting ipass only booths
I don't think they can reasonably phase out all the manual toll booths and replace them ALL with iPass booths, because out-of-staters and newcomers would have to buy the little transponder just to use the road. That wouldn't be fair imo. But they have been setting up certain exits to be IPass only, like the I-88-Eola Rd exit.
Eola road exit is mostly for locals anyways.
Exactly. This is why I'm not opposed to having a few IPass-only exits here and there. An overhaul converting them all to "IPass only" would be madness.
Quote from: paulthemapguy on March 21, 2016, 12:35:31 AM
I don't think they can reasonably phase out all the manual toll booths and replace them ALL with iPass booths, because out-of-staters and newcomers would have to buy the little transponder just to use the road. That wouldn't be fair imo.
Hasn't stopped ISTHA from considering bringing back the Deerfield Toll Plaza on I-94 as an I-PASS only plaza as an option to pay for the IL 53 extension.
Quote from: Revive 755 on March 21, 2016, 07:24:34 PM
Quote from: paulthemapguy on March 21, 2016, 12:35:31 AM
I don't think they can reasonably phase out all the manual toll booths and replace them ALL with iPass booths, because out-of-staters and newcomers would have to buy the little transponder just to use the road. That wouldn't be fair imo.
Hasn't stopped ISTHA from considering bringing back the Deerfield Toll Plaza on I-94 as an I-PASS only plaza as an option to pay for the IL 53 extension.
I have heard that maybe as ETC only or they can add ramp tolls / rework ramp toll rates in that area. I-294/I-94 can use some rate work from I-90 to WI line. Also talk of tolling the US-41 ramps.
Maybe then can do EOE like tolling on more of the system down the line and get rid of the cash tolls. Maybe cheaper then doing a full ERT 407 will readers on each ramp.
also talk of tolling IL-53.
The tolls on I-94 after the old Deerfield Toll Plaza where build around the same time as it was taken down.
Also can the tools come back to the IL-53 / I-290 exit to I-90 as ETC only so that up stream ramps can go free or have there tolls cut? or just do a EOE like setup and dump the ramp tolls?
California did away with most cash lanes, if you drive the tollway and you don't have a transponder they let you pay online (same cost) for using the roadway. Honestly i'd say in about 10 years the cash lane will pretty much be dead in Illinois. (maybe 20 because we're Illinois) :clap:
We're getting a bit off topic here. Let's get back to talking about the Farnsworth Interchange. If you want to discuss miscellaneous tollway stuff, such as the eventual (inevitable) conversion to an all-electronic toll system, go to the new thread I created called Illinois Tollway Notes.