Toll Rate Hike Coming? How Much More You'd Pay In Tolls Under $26.5B Plan

Illinois Tollway officials are asking for the public's input on proposed rate hikes as part of a $26.5 billion capital investment plan.

The 15-year plan includes a 45-cent increase for passenger vehicles that use I-Pass stickers. Those that don't have I-Pass stickers would see an increase of 90 cents.

Tolls for commericial vehicles would increase by 30 percent, the agency said.

Officials say that if passed, it would be the first toll increase for passenger vehicles since 2012.

The plan, they say, is "designed to strengthen infrastructure, alleviate congestion, improve regional connectivity and support long-term economic growth.

With the proposed rate increase that would be effective Jan. 1, 2027, the Illinois Tollway’s average passenger toll for I-PASS customers will increase from an average of $0.07 per mile to approximately $0.11 per mile – below the national
average of $0.16 per mile.

All toll rates will also be adjusted every other year to account for inflation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) scheduled to begin in 2029.

A series of public hearings will be held July 14-24 across the Tollway's 12-county service area to gather feedback on both the proposed capital plan and proposed toll rate updates.

Investing in the Tollway system will ultimately save drivers time and money, officials tout. For example, the I-90 corridor improvements completed in 2017 reduced travel times along the corridor by approximately 25 minutes, while the new interchange at I-294 and I-57 saved drivers up to 13 minutes.

As a user-funded transportation system, officials said the Illinois Tollway receives no state or federal tax dollars, and proposed toll rate updates would support annual maintenance and operations, along with debt service for revenue bonds used to fund capital improvements.

According to the tollway, stop-and-go traffic leads to higher fuel consumption and increased brake and engine wear, increasing costs over time. Studies by the Associated General Contractors of America and American Society of Civil Engineers show that poor road conditions cost drivers approximately $725 per year due to additional repairs, faster vehicle depreciation and increased fuel use and tire wear.

The Chicagoland area is particularly impacted by traffic, with the average Chicago driver spending about 100 hours per year in traffic – more than two full work weeks – costing about $1,800 in lost time (INRIX). This is more than double the national average of 43 hours per year sitting in traffic.

“Millions of people rely on the Illinois Tollway to get to work, move goods, connect with their communities and support our regional economy,” said Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse.

“Driving Connections reflects years of thoughtful planning, technical analysis and public engagement. As we move through this public process, we want to hear directly from the people and communities we serve because their feedback is an important part of shaping the future of the Illinois Tollway.”

The Tollway is seeking feedback from its customers regarding this proposed toll rate adjustment. All comments received will be given equal consideration.

Comments must be received by noon on August 3 to be included in the public record. Choose a way that works best for you:

• Click here to submit online comments
• Complete a comment card at any Tollway Customer Service Center
• Attend a public hearing to speak or share written comments
• Send comments via U.S. Mail to Communications Department, 2700 Ogden Avenue, Downers Grove, IL 60515

A complete listing of all proposed toll rates for each toll plaza and a trip calculator with current and
proposed toll rates are available at illinoistollway.com/drivingconnections.