One of the largest transportation projects in northern Illinois has reached another major milestone. The Illinois Tollway has approved a $178 million construction contract for the next phase of the long-awaited I-490 Tollway, bringing the new corridor one step closer to improving travel around O'Hare International Airport.

The project is designed to create faster connections between several major highways while easing congestion for commuters, freight carriers, and travelers throughout the western suburbs.

What Is the I-490 Project?

Interstate 490 is a new tollway being built along the western edge of O'Hare International Airport. Once completed, it will provide a direct connection between I-90, I-294, and Illinois Route 390, creating a more efficient route around one of the nation's busiest airports.

The new corridor is expected to improve access for residents, businesses, and commercial traffic while supporting future growth across the region.

What's Included in the New Contract?

The recently approved $178 million contract covers construction of another critical section of the highway.

Work will include:

• Building the main roadway between Bensenville and I-90

• Constructing four new bridges

• Crossing Union Pacific rail lines and large rail yards

• Preparing key connections for future traffic flow around O'Hare

Because the project crosses active rail infrastructure, this phase is considered one of the most technically challenging portions of the entire development.

Why It Matters

Drivers throughout Chicagoland know that traffic around O'Hare can be unpredictable, especially during peak travel hours.

The completed I-490 corridor is expected to:

• Improve regional traffic flow

• Reduce congestion near O'Hare

• Create faster freight routes

• Improve access to surrounding business districts

• Strengthen connections between major expressways

These improvements could save commuters time while supporting continued economic growth throughout the western suburbs.

A Project Years in the Making

The I-490 Tollway has been under development for several years and represents one of the largest transportation investments in northern Illinois.

Bringing together multiple agencies—including transportation officials, railroads, local governments, and airport authorities—has required extensive planning and coordination.

Each completed phase moves the project closer to creating an entirely new transportation corridor around O'Hare.

What's Next?

Construction crews will continue building roadway segments, bridges, and supporting infrastructure over the coming months.

Officials continue to target 2027 for opening the western entrance to O'Hare, with additional phases scheduled as work progresses.

Drivers should expect ongoing construction activity in portions of the project area while crews complete future milestones.

The Bottom Line

The approval of another $178 million construction contract marks significant progress for the I-490 Tollway project.

Once complete, the new roadway will improve travel around O'Hare International Airport, strengthen connections between major highways, and support continued growth across Chicago's western suburbs. While construction will continue for several more years, each new milestone brings the region closer to a faster and more connected transportation network.