Tue Jul 15 15:00:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
The Illinois Tollway is embarking on a multi-year project to remove outdated tollbooth infrastructure now obsolete due to the cashless tolling system implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. The project, divided into three tiers, aims to improve traffic flow, reduce maintenance costs, and modernize plaza areas with new equipment, pavement, lighting, and drainage. Tier 1 projects are already underway, focusing on high-traffic areas and those requiring immediate repair. Future tiers will address ramps and larger mainline plazas. The Tollway is coordinating with municipalities to explore potential alternative uses for the freed-up space. The project is funded by the Move Illinois program and the new Bridging the Future capital plan. Drivers should expect traffic disruptions during the construction. Additionally, American Airlines is adding new service to Mexico City and Queretaro, Mexico, from O’Hare, and Metra Electric District riders should anticipate service changes in late July due to a collaborative project with the South Shore Line.
**News Article:**
**Illinois Tollway to Demolish Old Tollbooths, Promising Smoother Traffic**
**CHICAGO, IL** – The Illinois Tollway Authority announced a sweeping initiative to remove outdated tollbooth infrastructure across the state, relics of a bygone era before the advent of cashless tolling. The project, set to unfold over the next several years, aims to improve traffic flow, cut maintenance costs, and modernize toll plaza areas.
“We’re converting our system to a barrier-free system to improve traffic operations at these plazas, as well as remove the aging infrastructure that we no longer need because we’re not collecting cash,” said Chief Engineer Manar Nashif on Wednesday.
The initiative is divided into three tiers. Tier 1, already underway, focuses on areas with significant traffic congestion or those in immediate need of repair. Projects at the 163rd Street Toll Plaza on the Tri-State and the East Riverside Toll Plaza on the Jane Addams Tollway are expected to be completed in 2025. Other Tier 1 improvements will include work on various ramps and interchanges across the Tri-State, Jane Addams, and I-355 tollways.
Tier 2 will concentrate on ramps, with design work starting later in 2025. Tier 3 will address larger mainline plazas.
Beyond simply demolishing the old structures, the project includes installing new toll collection equipment, rebuilding plaza pavement, and upgrading lighting, electrical systems, and drainage. The Tollway will also collaborate with local municipalities to explore potential alternative uses for the newly available space.
The first tier of the project is funded by the Move Illinois program, while Tiers 2 and 3 will be supported by the Tollway’s new Bridging the Future capital plan. Drivers can expect to see ongoing construction and should be prepared for changing traffic patterns and reduced speed limits.
In other news, American Airlines will begin daily service to Mexico City on October 26th and offer daily holiday service to Queretaro, Mexico, from December 18th to January 5th, 2026, from O’Hare International Airport. Metra Electric District riders should anticipate schedule changes on the weekends of July 19-20 and July 26-27.
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