$100 million Touhy Avenue improvement project breaks ground in Des Plaines

The major reconstruction aims to reduce congestion, improve safety, and promote economic activity in the area.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A $100 million project to fully reconstruct Touhy Avenue between Elmhurst Road and Mount Prospect Road in Des Plaines has broken ground. The project, led by the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways, will expand access to the I-490 tollway, build a new bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad, and help construct a western access point to O'Hare International Airport.

Why it matters

The Touhy Avenue corridor sees over 32,000 vehicles per day, and this major investment in transportation infrastructure is expected to reduce congestion, improve safety, and support economic competitiveness in the region as the 'freight capital of the nation'.

The details

In addition to the full reconstruction of Touhy Avenue, the project will build a new bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad and the planned I-490 tollway. It will also help construct a much-desired western access point to Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. The project secured $41.5 million in federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality funding and $5 million from the Illinois Department of Transportation, and will include enhancements like sidewalks, traffic lights, drainage systems, and bus shelters.

  • The $100 million project broke ground on March 5, 2026.
  • The project is slated for completion by the end of 2027.

The players

Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways

The lead agency overseeing the $100 million Touhy Avenue reconstruction project.

Toni Preckwinkle

The Cook County Board President who spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony, highlighting the project's goals of supporting economic competitiveness and maintaining the region's status as the 'freight capital of the nation'.

Cassaundra Rouse

The Illinois Tollway Executive Director who emphasized the project's importance in delivering the new I-490 tollway, a 'project of national and regional significance'.

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What they’re saying

“Transportation investment should support our region's economic competitiveness and maintain our position as the freight capital of the nation.”

— Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Board President (chicagotribune.com)

“The work Cook County is beginning here today on Touhy Avenue is integral in delivering the new I-490 tollway.”

— Cassaundra Rouse, Illinois Tollway Executive Director (chicagotribune.com)

What’s next

The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2027, after which the new Touhy Avenue corridor and western access to O'Hare International Airport will be operational.

The takeaway

This major transportation infrastructure investment in the Touhy Avenue corridor demonstrates the region's commitment to reducing congestion, improving safety, and supporting economic growth as the 'freight capital of the nation'. The collaborative effort between federal, state, and local agencies highlights the importance of multi-jurisdictional partnerships in delivering complex transportation projects.