The Illinois Tollway is bracing for one of its busiest travel days as nearly 1.7 million vehicles are expected to travel the system today. The new County Line Road ramp officially opens to traffic this morning, adding crucial capacity during the holiday rush.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Nearly 1.7 million vehicles expected on Illinois Tollway today, December 20, 2025
- County Line Road ramp opens Saturday morning as part of the North Avenue Interchange Project
- New ramp will serve over 5,700 vehicles daily connecting southbound I-294 to North Avenue
- Toll rates: 30 cents for cars, $1.20-$3.05 for trucks with overnight discounts available
Peak Holiday Traffic Expected Across Three Days
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The Illinois Tollway is prepared for heightened travel demand as the Christmas holiday weekend approaches. The heaviest traffic is expected on Wednesday, December 20, Thursday, December 21, and Friday, December 22, when nearly 1.7 million vehicles will use the 294-mile tollway system each day.
Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse stated the agency wishes customers a safe holiday season while pledging roadway support. On average, the Illinois Tollway handles around 1.5 million vehicles daily, making this weekend significantly above normal traffic volumes.
County Line Road Ramp Opens Today, Easing Congestion
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The long-awaited County Line Road ramp officially opens to traffic today as part of the comprehensive North Avenue Interchange Project. The new southbound ramp creates direct access from the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) to County Line Road, eliminating the need for drivers to use the congested I-290/I-88 interchange.
This connection is expected to serve over 5,700 vehicles daily, primarily freight, commuters, and local business traffic. The project involved coordination between the Illinois Tollway, Cook County, and communities including Northlake, Elmhurst, Franklin Park, and Bensenville.
Project Details and Infrastructure Improvements
| Feature | Details |
| Toll Rates (Cars) | 30 cents with I-PASS |
| Toll Rates (Trucks) | $1.20-$3.05 daytime, with discounts overnight |
| Daily Vehicles Expected | 5,700+ vehicles daily |
| Project Partnership | Illinois Tollway and Cook County |
| Key Benefit | Reduces congestion in Northlake industrial district |
Beyond the new ramp, the North Avenue Interchange Project includes major infrastructure upgrades. The Lake Street Bridge has been reconstructed and widened to increase roadway capacity. Northwest Avenue, I-290 Frontage Road, and Lake Street have been reconfigured to significantly improve traffic flow and safety.
Additional improvements include new signalized intersections, enhanced roadway lighting, and drainage improvements to prevent flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. A new direct access from Gateway Road to eastbound North Avenue further improves circulation for local traffic.
Holiday Travel Tips and Tollway Support Services
The Illinois Tollway is suspending all construction lane closures from noon on Friday, December 22, through 9 a.m. Tuesday, December 26, to maximize roadway capacity. Additional closure suspensions are scheduled from Friday, December 29, through Tuesday, January 2.
Drivers experiencing emergencies can call *999 for immediate roadway assistance from Illinois Tollway maintenance crews or Illinois State Police Troop 15, available 24/7. Motorist aid patrols assist with tire changes, jump-starts, fuel, vehicle towing, and transportation services.
The Illinois Tollway encourages using I-PASS for faster toll transactions and discounted rates. The I-PASS Assist program provides income-eligible individuals with lower upfront costs and no deposit requirements. Additionally, I-PASS is accepted across 19 states through the E-ZPass network.
“Expanding local access from the Tollway through ramps like this can have a significant impact on the local and regional economies. I am proud of our partnership with Cook County.”
— Cassaundra Rouse, Illinois Tollway Executive Director
How Does the New Ramp Benefit Commuters and Local Communities?
The County Line Road ramp fundamentally changes traffic patterns for the Northlake industrial corridor, one of the region’s busiest commercial hubs. Previously, drivers heading to North Avenue from southbound I-294 had limited direct access, forcing reliance on the congested I-290/I-88 interchange.
This new connection reduces travel times for freight movement, improves commuter flow, and supports local business development. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle emphasized that leveraging collaborative government partnerships brings tollway investments directly into communities, benefiting residents through reduced congestion and improved mobility.
Economic Impact on Northlake and Surrounding Areas
The project addresses a critical gap in the regional transportation network. The North Avenue Interchange serves as a major corridor for freight and commuters, making infrastructure improvements essential for economic competitiveness. By reducing congestion, the new ramp enables faster commercial deliveries and more efficient commuting patterns.
Safety and Connectivity Improvements
Beyond capacity gains, the project prioritizes safety through new signalized intersections and enhanced roadway lighting. Drainage improvements also address flooding concerns that previously impacted North Avenue during heavy rainfall, improving conditions for both commuters and local businesses.
What Should Drivers Know Before Hitting the Road Today?
As nearly 1.7 million vehicles navigate the Illinois Tollway today, advance planning is essential. Drivers should expect congestion between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., with the heaviest delays occurring mid-afternoon and early evening. The new County Line Road ramp may draw some traffic away from traditionally congested areas, but overall system volumes remain at peak holiday levels.
Prepare for longer-than-usual travel times, avoid distracted driving, and ensure vehicles are properly maintained with adequate fuel and fluids. Keep *999 programmed into your phone for quick access to roadway assistance if problems arise. The Illinois Tollway recommends avoiding rush hours when possible and using real-time traffic apps to select optimal routes.
Sources
- Illinois Tollway Official Agency – Holiday travel preparedness and County Line Road ramp opening announcement
- Cook County Board – North Avenue Interchange Project partnership details
- ABC7 Chicago – Breaking news coverage of ramp opening and traffic updates
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