Right at the Doorstep of O’Hare: I-490 Three Years Away, with Western Access Negotiations Underway
Illinois Tollway Officials and U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi Provide Update
After years of planning, western access to O’Hare International Airport is finally taking shape. Illinois tollway officials and U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi gave an update on Monday on two major projects that will interface with the airport.
Construction Progress
Construction crews are “right at the doorstep of O’Hare,” Chief Engineer Manar Nashif said. This means that momentum is building for the construction of an interchange that will link an extended Route 390 (formerly the Elgin-O’Hare Expressway) and I-490, a toll road wrapping around the airport’s western side.
Western Access Negotiations
The western access project has been in the works for some time, and negotiations are currently underway to finalize the details. “I’ve been to this facility so many times … this is the first time we’ve actually talked about a ramp going into O’Hare from the west,” Krishnamoorthi said at a briefing from a tollway maintenance building in nearby Bensenville.
Impact on Airport Operations
The new interchange is expected to have a significant impact on airport operations. With western access, travelers will have a more convenient and efficient way to get to the airport, which will reduce congestion and improve overall travel times.
Timeline and Next Steps
Construction on the I-490 project is expected to take around three years to complete. Once completed, the new interchange will provide a vital link between the airport and the surrounding region, making it easier for travelers to get to their destinations.
Conclusion
The construction of I-490 and the western access project is a significant milestone for O’Hare International Airport. With these projects, travelers will have a more convenient and efficient way to get to the airport, which will improve overall travel times and reduce congestion.
FAQs
Q: When will construction on the I-490 project be completed?
A: Construction on the I-490 project is expected to take around three years to complete.
Q: What is the purpose of the western access project?
A: The western access project is designed to provide a convenient and efficient way for travelers to get to O’Hare International Airport from the surrounding region.
Q: How will the new interchange impact airport operations?
A: The new interchange is expected to reduce congestion and improve overall travel times, making it easier for travelers to get to their destinations.
