Working in partnership with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the Tollway planned and constructed a full interchange between I-294 and I-57. The interchange was planned to be completed in two phases.
Phase One of the project was completed in 2014 and opened the highly anticipated I-294/I-57 Interchange – creating a vital connection between two major interstates in the Chicago Southland. Wight was part of the Corridor Construction Management (CCM) Team and also provided Construction Management (CM) services for the interchange. For the first time, the new I-294/I-57 Interchange provided motorists with access between I-294 and I-57 and at 147th Street. It created access from northbound I-57 to northbound I-294 and southbound I-294 to southbound I-57, including new ramps to provide access between 147th street and I-294.
Phase Two of the I-294/I-57 Interchange, which included four construction was completed in September 2022, wrapping up the $719 million interchange project. Wight managed the Phase Two construction of the I-294/I-57 Interchange, which included four construction contracts. The I-294/I-57 Interchange was completed in September 2022, with four new ramps connecting southbound I-57 to I-294 and I-294 to northbound I-57, including a flyover ramp bridge. The flyover ramp bridge carries traffic from southbound I-57 to southbound I-294 and from 147th to southbound I-57. As part of this work, I-57 was widened between I-294 and the CSX Railroad to accommodate added traffic entering and exiting the Tollway. Additional work includes construction of toll plaza, noise abatement walls, retaining walls, drainage improvements and erosion and sediment control.
The I-294/I-57 Interchange improves travel by providing drivers with completed access between the two interstates. The enhanced interchange greatly reduces congestion on local routes, enhances economic development and improves regional mobility. The all-electronic interstate-to-interstate connection better serves commuters and freight operators while opening access for local communities.
To learn more about this project visit the Illinois Tollway's website.
Wight received the prestigious national ACEC Engineering Excellence Award for our outstanding contributions to the Illinois Tollway I-294 / I-57 Interchange Phase Two project. Read more.
