Illinois tollway considering hearings on potential 45-cent rate hikes

Illinois tollway directors are expected to vote Thursday on whether to proceed with hearings allowing the public to comment on a potential 45-cent rate hike.

The last time the agency approved raising tolls was in August 2011, a controversial action that nearly doubled costs for drivers when it became effective Jan. 1, 2012.

The agency stated that “regarding passenger vehicles, the tollway has not increased toll rates applicable to such vehicles in approximately 15 years, and following the proposed increases, toll rates applicable to passenger vehicles will continue to be lower than the rates charged in many other states.”

If the tollway board approves hearings, the public would have about nine weeks to comment before a possible vote Aug. 19.

The proposed toll hikes would take effect Jan. 1, 2027.

The tollway is also expected to release a new proposed capital plan, “Driving Connections,” Thursday.

The proposal follows the enactment of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority law in 2025, when lawmakers approved a transit rescue bill. The legislation included a provision hiking tolls by 45 cents for cars in 2027 to fund a tollway capital program.

The tollway subsequently clarified that, according to state law, any capital plan and related toll changes are subject to approval by its board of directors.

“We have to know what we're funding, we have to understand what is required to keep our system in a state of good repair, and then where the capital investments are needed throughout our region,” tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse said in January.

Priorities include economic development, improving safety and mobility, and strengthening connections between communities, officials said.

The legislation signed by Gov. JB Pritzker on Dec. 16 also seeks a 30% spike on commercial vehicle tolls in 2027. That has prompted pushback from trucking industry leaders, who pointed out they already pay incremental increases annually.

The measure also would impose toll increases tied to the Consumer Price Index every two years starting in 2029.