Chicago I-80/I-294 Highway Tolls

Hey, all. I plan to travel through Chicago in the near future. Last time I was there decades ago, the tollbooths were the coin-toss type, or pay the attendant. Is it still that way today (aside from EZPass and other similar options)? I know it's not something to figure out on the fly, but to be prepared for. It's not clear when I try to figure it out online. Thanks!

 

I live outside Chicago. The tolls no longer have people or take money so you have 2 options. You can use EZ Pass or go online and pay the toll. Just an FYI, 80 doesnt have tolls but 294 does. You have 14 days to pay. https://agency.illinoistollway.com/paybyplate

If you choose option 2 (pay online) just stay in the left hand lanes and go through the EZ Pass. The toll booths are still there (on the right) but they close all the lanes but one and make that an EZ Pass as well.

Also, 294 north of the city by O'Hare has some substantial roadwork going on. PAY ATTENTION. They will split lanes and if you choose the wrong lane you may not end up where you want to be.

 

Thanks for the solid info. Glad I asked. So they're just capturing your license plate now? Edit - And no need to set it up ahead of time?

 

Yes, just capturing license plate info with no need to setup ahead of time. Make sure you pay though. The penalties are substantial

 

They capture the plate, yes. I set up an account online so that it gets paid automatically.

 

Already made myself a reminder ;-D Thanks again.

 

It was just as you described. Not much construction. Got home from Wisconsin Tuesday 5/27 and paid the tolls the next day. Better than stopping at tollbooths every 10 minutes. Thanks again.

 

my pleasure, glad your trip was good ?

 

Yes, it was. Went to Lambeau for the first time. It’s impressive. Spent time with friends from 40 years ago, evenings sitting around the fire. A little guitar and grilling. Much needed for me.

 

Very nice. I was just up at Lambeau for the NFL draft. So much history in that stadium. Where did you stay in Wisconsin?

 

Stayed at a friend's house in Manitowoc. Beautiful area and very nice town.

 

I was impressed by the TWENTY-NINE THOUSAND POUND Lombardi trophy. Fifty feet tall. Wow.

 

The Major General is there. They own a little lake cottage. The neighbors were burning trash and left. Then it caught the whole place on fire almost burnt it down. They got fined $1,600.00 and maybe more for burning pressure treated lumber.

 

Yeah, thats impressive. Just a great stadium with so much history and die hard fans. I respect that. I wonder how many people dont plan ahead, like you did, and dont go online to pay the toll. Im glad it was easy for you to do. You drove to Wisconsin? What was your starting point?

 

I would guess a lot of people get blindsided, at least the occasional travelers like me. I drove from Ohio. About 10 hours with traffic jams in Gary and southern Chicago.