Illinois Tollway Proposes $26.5 Billion Driving Connections Plan

The Illinois Tollway has proposed a 15-year, $26.5 billion capital investment program titled "Driving Connections" to modernize infrastructure, improve traffic flow, and reduce congestion in northern Illinois from 2027 to 2042. To fund the initiative, the agency plans to implement the largest rate hikes in state history, as passenger tolls have not changed since 2012.

If approved, the new rates will take effect on January 1, 2027. Passenger vehicles using I-Pass stickers would see an increase of approximately 45 cents, raising the average cost from 7 cents to 11 cents per mile. Drivers without stickers would face a 90-cent hike, while commercial vehicle tolls would increase by 30 percent. Starting in 2029, rates would be automatically adjusted every two years based on the Consumer Price Index to account for inflation.

The agency maintains that these increases are necessary because it relies almost entirely on toll revenue rather than state or federal tax dollars. To gather public feedback, the Illinois Tollway is conducting 13 community hearings across northern Illinois from July 13 through July 24, 2026. Residents may also submit online comments until noon on August 3, 2026, to be included in the public record.