Interstate 490 in Illinois
Interstate 490 (I-490), also known as the O'Hare West Bypass and Western O'Hare Beltway, is an innovative infrastructure project aimed at significantly enhancing the connectivity and accessibility of the Chicago metropolitan area. This planned six-mile (9.7 km) electronic toll highway is a critical component of the Elgin–O'Hare Western Access (EOWA) project, designed to provide a vital link to O'Hare International Airport.
Route Description
I-490 commences at a partial interchange with the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) in Franklin Park, positioned south of the bustling O'Hare International Airport. The route is strategically planned to travel northward, intersecting with an extension of Illinois Route 390 (IL 390), previously recognized as the Elgin-O'Hare Expressway. This extension will further integrate with Interstate 90 (Jane Addams Memorial Tollway).
I-490's trajectory will navigate through significant suburban areas, affecting communities such as Elk Grove Village, Wood Dale, Itasca, and Bensenville. Notably, the highway will pass through the historic 1979 American Airlines Flight 191 crash site, marking one of the most tragic aviation incidents in U.S. history.
Infrastructure and Development
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) finalized the routing of this western bypass in December 2009, demonstrating a commitment to improving the region's transportation network. In support of this ambitious project, the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority (ISTHA) approved the comprehensive $12 billion (equivalent to $16.5 billion in 2024) capital plan called "Move Illinois" on August 25, 2011. This plan, financed by a doubling of toll rates, aims to enhance toll roads under their jurisdiction.
The proposal to officially designate this road as I-490 was submitted by IDOT to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) on October 6, 2014, emphasizing its importance within the interstate system.
Strategic Importance
I-490 is envisioned to alleviate congestion and improve travel times around one of the nation's busiest airports. By providing a direct connection to major highways like I-294 and I-90, the project is expected to significantly bolster economic growth, reduce travel delays, and enhance the efficiency of freight movement across the region.
This new infrastructure will also help decongest existing routes and provide a seamless travel experience for both local commuters and long-distance travelers, thereby supporting the region's economic vitality and improving overall quality of life.