Illinois Tollway Board Approves Largest Rate Hike in State History

The Illinois Tollway Board of Directors voted 8-0 on August 19, 2026, to approve the largest toll rate increase in state history. Effective January 1, 2027, I-PASS users for passenger vehicles will see tolls rise by approximately 45 cents, increasing the average cost per mile from 7 cents to 11 cents—a 57 percent increase. Non-I-PASS users will face higher increases of around 90 cents per toll, while commercial vehicle tolls will rise by 30 percent.

This represents the first rate hike since 2012. To maintain funding, the board will implement biennial inflation-based adjustments tied to the Consumer Price Index starting in 2029, with a cap of 8 percent every two years. The revenue will support the Driving Connections capital program, a 15-year, $26.5 billion initiative running through 2042. The program targets road conditions, bridges, and congestion across a 12-county system, including major projects on I-355, I-88, I-94, I-294, and I-90.

Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse defended the decision as necessary for a safe and reliable system. However, the move faced criticism from the Illinois Policy Institute and trucking executives. Moran Transportation Corp warned that the hikes would be crippling to consumers and would increase the cost of goods in a high-inflation market. Governor Joseph Biden Pritzker, who appoints the board, distanced himself from the decision, noting the tollway authority conducted the vote.