Semi-Truck Jackknifes, Dangles Over Eisenhower Expressway in Western Suburbs

Lanes closed as crews work to clear the scene after the truck crashed through concrete barriers

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A semi-truck traveling on the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) eastbound in Chicago's western suburbs became jackknifed and was dangling over an overpass, leading to major traffic impacts for the rush hour commute. The truck, carrying thousands of pounds of plastic pieces, lost control and crashed, slamming through concrete barriers.

Why it matters

Jackknifed semi-trucks can cause significant damage to infrastructure and pose serious safety risks, especially on major expressways during peak travel times. This incident highlights the need for heightened caution and preparedness during hazardous driving conditions like heavy fog that were present at the time.

The details

The crash occurred overnight when the truck-tractor semi trailer traveling eastbound on I-290 at St. Charles in Elmhurst lost control, crashed through temporary concrete barriers, and came to a halt on an unfinished portion of the road. The truck, hauling thousands of pounds of plastic, was left dangling over the overpass at Electric Avenue in Elmhurst.

  • The incident began overnight on March 5, 2026.
  • As of 7:30 a.m. on March 5, 2026, all eastbound lanes of I-290 remain shutdown at St. Charles.

The players

Illinois State Police

The law enforcement agency investigating the incident and managing the response.

Kye Martin

A traffic reporter for NBC 5 Chicago providing updates on the situation.

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What they’re saying

“The truck is on the overpass over Electric Avenue in Elmhurst. It's a big mess. Heavy delays inbound on the I-290 extension.”

— Kye Martin, Traffic Reporter (NBC 5 Chicago)

What’s next

Crews will need to work to safely remove the jackknifed semi-truck and clear the scene before the eastbound lanes of I-290 can be reopened.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of heightened caution and preparedness during hazardous driving conditions, as well as the potential for significant disruptions to major transportation arteries when semi-trucks are involved in serious crashes.