President Preckwinkle, Elected Officials Celebrate Groundbreaking of $28.6 Million Project at I-294 and 88th/Cork Interchange
New interchange with I-294 will enhance mobility, safety, economic growth in southwest Cook County
Today, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, along with federal, state and local officials, celebrated the groundbreaking for a major roadway and bridge improvement project at I-294 on 88th/Cork Avenue in the Village of Justice.
This significant regional improvement will address an interstate bottleneck by installing a new interchange with I-294 and enhancing access to local roads. A new northbound exit and the final portion of the southbound entrance ramp will be constructed at 88th/Cork Avenue, intersections at 79th Street/88th Avenue and Archer Road (IL 171)/Oak Grove Avenue will be improved, new pedestrian and bicycle facilities will be built, and lighting and drainage systems will be modernized.
“This project was truly a team effort, combining the resources of local, state and federal governments to ensure its success,” said President Preckwinkle. “Motorists will be able to travel more efficiently through this area and businesses will benefit from enhanced economic opportunities.”
The improved interstate access will benefit southwest Cook County by attracting private development, creating job opportunities, easing congestion on the nearby tollway ramps, improving traffic flow and providing new traffic patterns to local business districts that rely on the efficient movement of freight.
The roadway project is the result of a multi-agency partnership between Cook County, the Illinois Tollway, Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Village of Justice. Cook County is leading construction of this $28.6 million project while also providing funding, technical expertise and serving as the link between agency partners. The County secured $13.4 million in federal Illinois Competitive Freight Program funds for the project. Cook County is providing a $10.7 million match with funds from the Motor Fuel Tax and Rebuild Illinois Bond funds. The Illinois Tollway contributed $4.1 million and the Village of Justice provided $350,000 for the project.
"This new interchange is a great example of state and federal funding working to benefit the community,” said U.S. Rep. Sean Casten (IL-6). “This project is a significant investment and will attract new businesses, create job opportunities, and reduce frustrating traffic patterns."
“Under the leadership of Gov. Pritzker, IDOT is working more than ever with our partners and stakeholders to arrive at solutions that improve regional access and mobility,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “This interchange is the perfect example of how we can come together to address safety and create economic opportunity on the local level as well.”
“Today’s event highlights what we can achieve together,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. “This milestone signals not only the advancement of construction for the new 88th/Cork Avenue Interchange on the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), but also the strength of our partnerships. We are grateful to have this opportunity to work alongside Cook County, Justice and IDOT to deliver a project that will benefit residents, businesses and travelers for generations to come.”
The improvements are planned to be completed by 2026. Motorists are advised to allow extra time for trips through this area, exercise caution and remain alert to construction activity and workers in the area.
To view the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways’ 2024 highway construction project map, visit: www.cookcountyil.gov/service/highway-construction-projects
###