The $19 million Farnsworth Avenue Interchange Project began in 2016 and included the construction of a new bridge and ramp reconfiguration to extend the life of the interchange, increase traffic capacity and provide safe and convenient travel for drivers. In addition, new access for bicycle and pedestrian use was created and energy-efficient LED lighting was installed.

“More than 30,000 vehicles use this interchange daily, so the Illinois Tollway appreciates drivers’ patience during the course of this project, as well as the support from local businesses,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Greg Bedalov. “The interchange improvements will allow us to better serve our customers and help support businesses and tourism in Aurora and DuPage and Kane Counties.”

Among the improvements, the project provides for the first time a barrier-wall protected crossing over I-88 for pedestrians on the east side of the bridge and will accommodate a future extension of the local multi-use bicycle and pedestrian path system. In cooperation with the city of Aurora, the Tollway was also able to complete the resurfacing on Farnsworth Avenue, connecting two previous resurfacing projects completed by the city.

“We are pleased with both the constant communication throughout the process and such added amenities as the protected pedestrian crossing,” said Aurora Mayor Richard C. Irvin. “We are also excited that this project is reaching substantial completion just prior to the busy shopping season at the Chicago Premium Outlets, one of the most successful retail shopping destinations in the region.”

Work on the Farnsworth Interchange Project included the removal of a four-span bridge and construction of the new, two-span bridge that provides two lanes of traffic with full shoulders in both directions. In addition, the bridge, which was raised to meet Tollway standards, was also lengthened to accommodate future improvements as needed on I-88. Reconstruction of the bridge included new aesthetic enhancements on the bridge walls, as well as black powder-coat fencing and traffic signals.

Two ramps carrying traffic from eastbound I-88 to northbound Farnsworth Avenue and from northbound Farnsworth Avenue to westbound I-88 were also removed from the previous eight-ramp cloverleaf configuration. The existing ramps at the interchange were reconfigured to accommodate these traffic movements and improve traffic flow on Farnsworth Avenue and I-88.

The Farnsworth Avenue Interchange Project was coordinated with the Illinois Department of Transportation, the city of Aurora, Aurora Township, DuPage and Kane counties, local fire and police departments, as well as Chicago Premium Outlets. The project is part of the 15-year, $14 billion capital program, Move Illinois: The Illinois Tollway Driving the Future.

Construction information about the Farnsworth Avenue Interchange Project is available in the “Projects by Roadway” section in the Construction/Planning section on the Tollway’s website at Illinoistollway.com.

SOURCE: Illinois Tollway news release

About Move Illinois

The Illinois Tollway’s 15-year, $14 billion capital program, Move Illinois: The Illinois Tollway Driving the Future, is improving mobility, relieving congestion, reducing pollution, creating as many as 120,000 jobs and linking economies throughout the region. The first five years of Move Illinois is on schedule and within budget, delivering the rebuilt and widened Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) as a state-of- the-art 21st century corridor and opening a new interchange connecting the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) to I-57. Progress continues on projects addressing the remaining needs of the existing Tollway system, delivering the Elgin O’Hare Western Access Project and planning for emerging projects, including reconstruction of the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294).

About the Illinois Tollway

The Illinois Tollway is a user-fee system that receives no state or federal funds for maintenance and operations. The agency maintains and operates 294 miles of roadways in 12 counties in Northern Illinois, including the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88), the Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355), the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90), the Tri-State Tollway (I-94/I-294/I-80) and the Illinois Route 390 Tollway.