Full Breakdown
New I-490 Interchange Opens Near O’Hare
By Drooid · · How we work
Project Background and Scope
The Illinois Tollway’s O’Hare Western Access Project, launched in 2018, seeks to create a western bypass for the airport. The first segment links the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) with Franklin Avenue in the suburbs of Franklin Park and Bensenville, forming the initial portion of the planned Interstate 490. When fully built, I-490 will run from the Jane Addams Tollway near Des Plaines to the Tri-State Tollway, skirting the western edge of O’Hare and eventually connecting with I-90, I-390 and I-294.
Key Details and Statistics
- Length of opened segment: 1.5 miles of tollway.
- Budget: $4.3 billion, as reported by the Illinois Tollway.
- Cost overrun: Nearly $900 million above the original estimate.
- Schedule: The opening occurs about two years later than initially planned.
- Opening timing: Ramps are slated to open overnight Friday and be usable by Saturday morning.
- Full project timeline: Completion of the entire I-490 corridor is projected for 2029.
Official Statements & Responses
Village President Frank DiSimone called the interchange “a game changer” that will bring additional people, businesses and transportation options to the four surrounding communities. Tollway officials noted construction challenges, including the need to build over active railroad tracks and to coordinate with airport air-space restrictions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “For generations, O’Hare has connected Chicago to the world. Now, we’re building the infrastructure that will better connect the communities and businesses surrounding O’Hare to the opportunities that it creates,” — Cassaundra Rouse, executive director of the Illinois Tollway
- “We're getting ready for it. We're pretty excited. Hopefully to get more people, more than we have. It's a blessing,” — Larry Cuazitl
Future Phases
The next construction phase will extend northward, developing an interchange with the I-390 Tollway that originates in Hanover Park. This expansion is intended to further improve freight movement and suburban commuter access while continuing to divert traffic away from congested routes near O’Hare.