The Illinois State Toll Highway Authority on Thursday proposed its first passenger toll hike since 2012. The proposal, which would increase passenger vehicle tolls by roughly 45 cents for I-Pass users, comes on the heels of the state’s landmark public transit funding bill, which called for the same toll increases. Commercial vehicle tolls would increase by 30% for I-Pass users.
The transit funding bill, which took effect June 1, diverts some funds that would typically be used for road projects to public transit, which the proposed toll hikes are intended to offset.
The Tollway plans to hold public hearings on the proposed toll hikes throughout the region in July. If ultimately approved by the Tollway’s board, the rate increases would take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
In addition to the rate increases proposed for next year, toll rates would be adjusted every other year to account for inflation beginning in 2029.
During the agency’s monthly board meeting Thursday, officials unveiled a 15-year, $26.5 billion capital plan that will be funded by the proposed toll hikes as well as revenue bonds, the agency said.
The plan includes more than $6.6 billion of work for the Veterans Memorial Tollway, including widening segments of it “to reduce congestion,” the Tollway said in a news release.
There’s $3.5 billion set aside for the Reagan Memorial Tollway, including adding a new access point on the western section of I-88. Just over $3 billion is slated to go toward the North Tri-State Tollway, including roadway rehabilitation and bridge reconstruction.
Drivers can use the Tollway’s online trip planner to estimate their new tolls, the agency said.
