Tollway Construction in DuPage This Fall: New I-294 Lanes and Overnight Ramp Closures
Tollway construction is changing how DuPage County drivers get around this fall. In releases dated October 22 through October 29, 2026, the Illinois Tollway announced new lanes on the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294), overnight ramp closures on the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88) and the Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355), a traffic shift near Aurora and the first open piece of the new I-490 Tollway. Here is what changes and how to drive through it safely.
New lanes and a winter setup on the Central Tri-State (I-294)
On October 22 the Tollway said six lanes were open in both directions on I-294 between I-55 and Ogden Avenue. Later in October, traffic between Ogden Avenue and I-88 was set to move into a winter configuration:
- Northbound: five lanes between Ogden Avenue and Cermak Road.
- Southbound: five lanes between I-88 and Ogden Avenue.
- Ramp relief: a second lane reopens on the ramp from eastbound I-88 to southbound I-294.
Mainline work between I-88 and I-55 continues through 2027, rebuilding the road with up to six lanes in each direction and wider inside shoulders for Flex Lanes. The Tollway says more than 220,000 vehicles use the Central Tri-State every day, and a 45 mph work zone speed limit is in effect there throughout the construction season.
I-88 toll plaza work: overnight ramp closures
An October 27 release covers toll plaza upgrades at three I-88 interchanges in DuPage County: Naperville Road in Naperville, Winfield Road in Warrenville and the Downers Drive interchange. The overnight closures announced include:
- Early November: intermittent full closures of about 15 minutes each, between midnight and 4 a.m., on the ramp from eastbound I-88 to Naperville Road/Freedom Drive, for up to two nights.
- Early November: a full closure of the ramp from Naperville Road/Freedom Drive to westbound I-88, midnight to 5 a.m., for up to two nights, with no detour.
- Later in November: a full closure of the ramp from Downers Drive to westbound I-88, midnight to 5 a.m., with a detour using Butterfield Road (IL 56).
The Tollway says this work is scheduled to continue into 2027, that more long-term closures and detours are planned at Downers Drive and Winfield Road, and that all work depends on the weather. Updates are posted in the Tollway’s Daily Construction Alert.
I-355 pavement repairs and ramp closures
On October 28 the Tollway said overnight ramp closures for pavement repairs on I-355 will continue through the fall, some without detours, and drivers should expect delays. The ramp from southbound I-355 to southbound I-55 was scheduled to close at 7 p.m. Friday, October 30 and reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, November 2. Overnight closures from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. are planned at interchanges including Maple Avenue, Boughton Road, 75th Street, 63rd Street, Ogden Avenue, Butterfield Road, Roosevelt Road, North Avenue and Army Trail Road. The repairs run between I-80 and Army Trail Road and are scheduled to continue into 2027.
Aurora traffic shift and the first I-490 link
- I-88 near Aurora: starting the weekend after October 29, overnight lane closures in both directions between Eola Road and IL 59, followed by traffic shifts, so crews can replace beams on a railroad bridge that was struck by a vehicle. Winter shifts follow, and the work runs into 2027.
- I-490 and I-294: on October 23 the Tollway announced the first I-490 interchange connection, with ramps linking northbound I-294 to Franklin Avenue and Franklin Avenue to southbound I-294 by way of I-490. Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse called it “a major milestone” for the project. The full Franklin Avenue interchange and I-490 to the north are anticipated in 2029.
Why work zones mean more rear-end crashes
The Federal Highway Administration counts 891 work zone deaths in the U.S. in 2022, and 174 fatal work zone crashes that year involved a rear-end collision. FHWA notes that daily changes in traffic patterns and narrowed lanes combine to cause crashes. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration puts it plainly: “Rear-end crashes are extremely common in work zones.”
What this means for you
Here’s our take: most work zone fender benders we hear about are low-speed bumps that happen when traffic slows suddenly at a lane shift or a closed ramp. A few habits help:
- Check before you go. Look at the Daily Construction Alert, especially for late-night trips, and plan for closures with no posted detour.
- Leave extra space. FMCSA advises keeping more room in front of you, because traffic in work zones can stop quickly.
- Merge early and watch blind spots. Move into the open lane as soon as you can and expect lanes and shoulders to shift.
- Put the phone away. Signs and new lane lines need your attention.
- After a minor bump, photograph both vehicles and the scene once you are safely off the road. If the paint is not cracked, a bumper or panel dent may be a fit for paintless dent repair; cracked paint or a damaged bumper cover usually calls for collision repair.
Commutes are also getting darker; see our notes on darker commutes in DuPage and the federal tire safety update. Our team at EZ Tech Paintless Dent Removal & Collision is happy to take a look at any damage and walk you through your options. This article is general information, not legal or insurance advice.
Sources: Illinois Tollway, “New Lanes Open on the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Between I-55 and I-88” (October 22, 2026); Illinois Tollway, “Illinois Tollway Set to Open First I-490 Tollway Interchange Connection to the Tri-State Tollway (I-294)” (October 23, 2026); Illinois Tollway, “Fall Ramp Closures Scheduled for Toll Plaza Improvements on the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88) In DuPage County” (October 27, 2026); Illinois Tollway, “Overnight Ramp Closures Scheduled for Pavement Repairs on the Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355)” (October 28, 2026); Illinois Tollway, “Traffic Shift Scheduled on Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88) for Railroad Bridge Repair Work in Aurora” (October 29, 2026); Federal Highway Administration, “Work Zone Facts and Statistics”; Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, “Work Zones Safety Tips”. Accessed October 31, 2026.
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