Illinois notes

[Rick Powell]

AFAIK, the Kennedy and Dan Ryan are the only two that have been widened successfully (done in the 90s, when the Bulls' championship run began). But technically, it can be one as both are part of I-90/I-94.

Both I-55 and I-290 have approved studies involving addition of "managed lanes", with I-290 adding a lane each direction between 25th Avenue and Austin Boulevard, and I-55 adding a lane each direction between I-355 and I-294, and 2 lanes each direction between I-294 and the Dan Ryan. I look at the I-290 lane additions as more of a "bottleneck removal" since there would be no net addition of lanes past the end points of 25th and Austin, just a consistent 4 lanes in each direction from the I-294 interchange to the Jane Byrne interchange.

[ChiMilNet]

AFAIK, the Kennedy and Dan Ryan are the only two that have been widened successfully (done in the 90s, when the Bulls' championship run began). But technically, it can be one as both are part of I-90/I-94.

Both I-55 and I-290 have approved studies involving addition of "managed lanes", with I-290 adding a lane each direction between 25th Avenue and Austin Boulevard, and I-55 adding a lane each direction between I-355 and I-294, and 2 lanes each direction between I-294 and the Dan Ryan. I look at the I-290 lane additions as more of a "bottleneck removal" since there would be no net addition of lanes past the end points of 25th and Austin, just a consistent 4 lanes in each direction from the I-294 interchange to the Jane Byrne interchange.

Agree with the I-290 assessment. I assume removal/reconfiguration of those left hand exits will be included in any and all options. Interesting that they are looking now at 2 additional lanes each way on I-55 between I-294 and the Dan Ryan. I haven't been on I-55 near I-294 since they have finished rebuilding the overpass, but I assume it was built for future widening considerations on I-55... that old one was a notable narrow point. I hope to see more about this as it moves forward.

[Rick Powell]

Agree with the I-290 assessment. I assume removal/reconfiguration of those left hand exits will be included in any and all options. Interesting that they are looking now at 2 additional lanes each way on I-55 between I-294 and the Dan Ryan. I haven't been on I-55 near I-294 since they have finished rebuilding the overpass, but I assume it was built for future widening considerations on I-55... that old one was a notable narrow point. I hope to see more about this as it moves forward.

Here's some info links on both projects if you're interested.
https://www.eisenhowerexpressway.com
https://idot.illinois.gov/transportation-system/transportation-management/featured-projects/i55-managed-lane-study/study.html

[JoePCool14]

In Chicago, the old Foster Ave bridge is (over I-90) torn down. It was the oldest bridge between Lawrence Av and O'Hare. Was rusted to heck. 

Other bridges due to be replaced are over I-290 on city's West Side: Ogden Av, Independence Blvd, and Ashland Av.

I really wonder how much longer that stretch of I-90 between the Edens Junction and Cumberland (or maybe Harlem) will be able to go before they need to finally do a total rebuild. The structure throughout that stretch just looks tired like it's on borrowed time.

Those bridges on I-290 definitely need replacement as well.

Harlem to the I-190 split was just redone in the last couple years, so the only bad section remaining is from Harlem to the Edens JCT. They did do a resurfacing but that was about 6-7 years ago. Have a feeling we'll see something once they finish the rehab between Ohio St and the Edens JCT

"Redone" more or less equals a resurfacing, some patching and other rehab. There are already concrete panels popping up in the road where I drive every day. Not to mention the configuration for the Cumberland on-ramps going west and I-190 is awful. And no crack-sealing between the lanes, I will never understand why IDOT don't see that as more of a priority to elongate the lifespan of the road.

[ChiMilNet]

Agree with the I-290 assessment. I assume removal/reconfiguration of those left hand exits will be included in any and all options. Interesting that they are looking now at 2 additional lanes each way on I-55 between I-294 and the Dan Ryan. I haven't been on I-55 near I-294 since they have finished rebuilding the overpass, but I assume it was built for future widening considerations on I-55... that old one was a notable narrow point. I hope to see more about this as it moves forward.

Here's some info links on both projects if you're interested.
https://www.eisenhowerexpressway.com
https://idot.illinois.gov/transportation-system/transportation-management/featured-projects/i55-managed-lane-study/study.html

It looks like it's been a while since the I-55 page has been updated, but interesting the updates on I-290. Glad to see that all considered alternatives include lane additions and converting those pesky left hand exits! To be realistic, the HOT 3+ is probably going to be the one used in some form. I have a hard time seeing IDOT finding any other way to pay for this. The I-80 widening in Joliet is a huge project, and I think that may be one of the last huge ones in IL without tolls for the near term as long as federal funding is trending as is.