For years, the Elgin-O’Hare Expressway in the western suburbs of Chicago never offered a direct flight to one of the busiest airports in the world. Those traveling west ended up taking other routes to get to O’Hare International Airport. The Elgin-O’Hare Western Access project, when complete, will provide that critical east-west link. The project includes 17 miles of new roads with 15 new or improved interchanges, centerpieced by two huge flyover bridges taking traffic on and off I-290. The project also will feature the restoration, enhancement and protection of wetlands.
Location: Chicago suburbs
Cost: $3.4 billion
Length: 17 miles
Designers: CH2M Hill (primary)
Contractors: Multiple
Owner: Illinois Tollway
