The first phase of the I-294/I-57 Interchange Project will create access from northbound I-57 to northbound I-294 and southbound I-294 to southbound I-57, including a new interchange at 147^th Street. These improvements are scheduled to be completed in 2014, delivering 75 percent of the project’s benefits to the traveling public.

This year, the Illinois Tollway is rebuilding and widening the I-294 bridges over 147^th Street to accommodate construction of a northbound entrance ramp to I-294 from I-57 and a southbound exit ramp from I-294 to 147^th Street, as well as the reconstruction and widening of 147^th Street.

The Tollway’s work also includes the realignment of a portion of Dixie Creek.  Realignment of the creek is necessary as it currently runs through the pathway of the future interchange ramp that will take drivers from northbound I-57 to northbound I-294.  Dixie Creek work will not impact Tollway traffic.

In addition to the Tollway’s work, this year, IDOT will complete the $35 million rebuilding of the existing northbound and southbound I-57 bridge structures over I-294 and the $7 million replacement and widening the Kedzie Avenue Bridge over I-57.  The state’s Illinois Jobs Now! capital investment in 2010 helped rebuild and widen the I-57 overpass at I-294, a critical first step toward building a full interchange at the site.

The new, all-electronic I-294/57 Interchange will accommodate 76,000 vehicles per day and provide direct freight access to Chicago’s south suburbs – saving drivers $4 million annually in fuel consumption.  The full interchange is expected to be completed in 2024.