Illinois Drivers Could Soon Pay More on the Tollway

If you regularly drive on the Illinois Tollway, you may want to prepare for some higher tolls starting next year.

The Illinois Tollway has proposed a rate increase beginning January 1st, 2027, to help pay for a massive new 15-year, $26.5B capital investment program called Driving Connections.  According to the Illinois Tollway, the plan is designed to improve traffic flow, upgrade aging roads and bridges, reduce congestion, and support economic development throughout northern Illinois.

The Illinois Tollway is proud to propose Driving Connections, its next long‑term capital program and a 15‑year, $26.5 billion commitment to improve traffic, road conditions, and spur economic development. [IL Tollway]

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Tim Boyle, Getty Images

Under the new proposal, passenger vehicles would pay about 45 cents more per toll, while commercial vehicle tolls would increase by 30%.  The changes wouldn't stop there.  Beginning in 2029, toll rates would automatically adjust every two years based on inflation.

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The Illinois Tollway says these increases are necessary because the agency is funded almost entirely by toll revenue, not by state of federal tax dollars.

Officials also pointed out that passenger toll rates have remained unchanged since 2012, even as the Tollway has continued investing in major roadway improvements across the region.

The proposed Driving Connections program includes maintaining existing roads, modernizing infrastructure, improving safety, reducing travel delays, and preparing the transportation network for future growth.  Supporters say the investment will help keep the Tollway system reliable for millions of drivers while creating jobs and boosting the regional economy.

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Thoughts?

Of course, not everyone is on board about the toll increases.  Even a 45-cent increase can add up quickly if you use the Tollway several times a week for work.

For now, the increase is still a proposal, but if approved, Illinois drivers would begin seeing the higher rates at the start of 2027.