Illinois Tollway Proposes 59% Toll Hike, Largest in State History

The Illinois Tollway is pushing for a significant toll increase, proposing a hike of up to 59%, which could mark the largest toll increase in the state's history. This move comes as Governor JB Pritzker has frozen the state's gas tax until December 31, a decision that critics argue is undermined by the proposed toll hike.

According to Illinois Policy, drivers in Illinois already face some of the nation's highest taxes, and Governor Pritzker is now advocating for the Illinois Tollway Authority to raise tolls by 59%. This proposal appears to contradict the governor's stated commitment to affordability during the presentation of the current budget.

The proposed increase is part of a 15-year, $26.5 billion investment plan by the Illinois Tollway to enhance roads and traffic systems. The plan, named "Driving Connections," relies on toll revenues and bond issuance backed by these revenues as its sole funding source. The Tollway board is scheduled to vote on the increase, which would be the first since 2012. Governor Pritzker and his secretary of transportation are ex officio members of this board.

If approved, the increase would take effect on January 1, 2027. For passenger vehicles using I-PASS, the average toll would rise by approximately $0.45, a roughly 30% increase for commercial vehicles. Starting in 2029, tolls would be adjusted biennially to account for inflation, linked to the Consumer Price Index. Despite the increase, the average cost per mile for passenger vehicles with I-PASS would still be below the national average.

The plan includes significant upgrades to several major tollways, including Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355), Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88), and North Tri-State Tollway (I-94/I-294). However, critics point out that drivers have already paid at least $27 billion to the Illinois Tollway since its inception over 50 years ago, and the proposed increase comes at a time when the tollway is generating record revenue.