Construction will begin in June on a brand new Tri-State Tollway interchange, and Illinois officials expect it to offer easier access to freight transportation hubs in the southwest Chicago suburbs.
“We are open for business. We treat businesses right,” said Justice Mayor Kris Wasowicz.
He said simply having plans for a tollway interchange at 88th Street and Cork Avenue has already paid dividends, as developers have started talking about new projects.
“We’ve already seen the interest of developers in looking at our village and taking advantage of the location and of the possibilities that it provides,” Wasowicz said.
The village said the interchange will create a much needed truck access to the CSX Railyard in Bedford Park.
Illinois Tollway Interim Executive Director Lanyea Griffin said, “This new interchange is not just about access improvement … but it’s also a game-changer for the Chicago southland in terms of congestion relief and economic opportunities.”
Palos Hills Mayor Jerry Bennett said what’s good for Justice will be good for other southwestern suburbs.
“The important part of this opportunity for this ramp to be created, certainly for the village of Justice, is the economic development and potential development that this will afford not only the village but, again, other communities nearby,” said Bennett.
Officials said the area already has 85 freight-related companies who employ 22,000 people.
As part of the interchange project, the Illinois Tollway will construct a new ramp connecting northbound I-294 to 88th Street and Cork Avenue, as well as a new ramp connecting 88th Street and Cork Avenue to southbound I-294.
The 88th Street and Cork Avenue Bridge over I-294 will also be widened to provide a southbound left turn lane, additional pedestrian and bicycle access, noise walls, and drainage and lighting improvements.
The project will cost $39 million and is expected to be completed in 2024.
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Related
Related
