ROADS/BRIDGES: IDOT considers adding managed lanes along I-55

IDOT is discussing different options to widen I-55

Dec. 9, 2015

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is considering creating managed lanes on I-55 in Cook and DuPage counties. Plans include building another lane in each direction of the 25-mille stretch I-55 between I-355 and the I-90/94 junction in Chicago.

The plans aim to reduce congestion on the highway, which carries more than 180, 000 vehicles per day.

The managed lanes plan has a few different possibilities:

• Express Toll Lane;

• High Occupancy Vehicles lane: IDOT is looking at a starting point of one driver and two passengers;

• High Occupancy Toll Lane; and

• Congestion Priced Lane: Drivers pay a toll to use this express lane typically during morning and afternoon rush hours. Prices can vary depending on demand.

IDOT has been discussing the plan to add managed lanes on I-55 for three years now, and decision won't likely be made until two years down the road.