The Illinois Tollway Monday night held its first public hearing over proposed rate hikes that could be the largest in state history.
The proposed hikes, part of a $26.5 billion capital program, would fund the next 15 years of roadwork on the tollway system, NBC 5 traffic and transportation reporter Kye Martin said.
If the proposal is approved, the rate increases would be the Illinois Tollway’s first rate hikes in more than a decade.
“Today, the Illinois Tollway proposed its next long term capital program, Driving Connections, a 15 year, $26.5 billion transformative plan to improve our tollways between 2027-2042,” a release from the Illinois Tollway said. “This includes signature projects to improve traffic as well as widespread maintenance and improvement projects.”
The proposal includes a 45-cent increase for passenger vehicles that use I-Pass stickers. Those that don’t have I-Pass stickers would see an increase of 90-cents, Martin said.
Tolls for commericial vehicles would increase by 30 percent, the agency said.
“In addition, the Tollway will adjust rates in accordance with the Consumer Price Index every other year to provide cost predictability for customers,” tollway officials said.
As part of the proposal, the Illinois Tollway will hold community meetings July 13 through 24 in northern Illinois for the public to weigh in on the plan. The first is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at the Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago, and comments can also be submitted online.
“Comments must be received by noon on August 3, 2026, to be included in the public record,” the Illinois Tollway said.
If passed, tollway rates would increase starting Jan. 1, 2027. In 2029, rates would be adjusted every two years based on inflation.
