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● LIVE Updated 1h ago · 6 sources tracked

New stretch of I-490 opening in Chicago’s suburbs - WGN-TV

The first segment of the new Interstate 490 toll road is opening by Saturday in the Chicago suburbs. This initial project introduces the first I-490 interchange on the I-294 Tri-State Tollway, connecting traffic toward O'Hare International Airport in Franklin Park. Drivers and airport travelers can expect the new infrastructure to begin handling traffic this weekend. The wider initiative marks a major transformation for regional transit, though the construction history has faced delays and financial adjustments.

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⚡ Key Developments & Real-Time Context
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  • ✓ The first I-490 interchange on the I-294 Tri-State Tollway is scheduled to open by Saturday.
  • ✓ The new infrastructure provides access to O'Hare in Franklin Park.
  • ✓ The overall Interstate 490 project cost changed from $3.4B to $4.3B, crossing the finish line over budget and years late.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 6 independent reporting domains (95% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

The opening of the first interchange connects the I-294 Tri-State Tollway to the new I-490 route in Franklin Park.

Live updates

  1. First I-490 interchange opens in Chicago suburbs

    The first segment of the new Interstate 490 toll road is opening by Saturday in the Chicago suburbs. This initial project introduces the first I-490 interchange on the I-294 Tri-State Tollway, connecting traffic toward O'Hare International Airport in Franklin Park. Drivers and airport travelers can expect the new infrastructure to begin handling traffic this weekend. The wider initiative marks a major transformation for regional transit, though the construction history has faced delays and financial adjustments.

    Why it matters

    The new transit corridor is designed to improve access to O'Hare International Airport and ease movement across Chicago suburbs. Infrastructure planning for the route has encountered significant adjustments over its development cycle. The project budget shifted from an initial figure to a higher total.

    What is confirmed

    • The first I-490 interchange on the I-294 Tri-State Tollway is scheduled to open by Saturday.
    • The new infrastructure provides access to O'Hare in Franklin Park.
    • The overall Interstate 490 project cost changed from $3.4B to $4.3B, crossing the finish line over budget and years late.

    What to watch next

    • Full completion of the remaining sections of the I-490 toll road.
    • Final traffic impact assessments following the weekend opening of the first interchange.
    Sources used for this update (6)
    1. WGN-TV — New stretch of I-490 opening in Chicago’s suburbs
    2. ABC7 Chicago — Chicago airport traffic: 1st I-490 interchange on the I-294 Tri-State Tollway to open by Saturday to O'Hare in Franklin Park
    3. NBC 5 Chicago — First part of new tollway in Chicago suburbs opens this weekend
    4. Chicago Tribune — Interstate 490 is crossing the finish line over budget and years late, from $3.4B to $4.3B now
    5. Audacy — Tollway gears up to open first part of I-490
    6. Daily Herald — ‘Transformational’: New I-490 toll road takes shape with opening of first interchange with I-294
    confidence 95%
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