Jacobs Secures Contracts to Improve Travel on Chicago's I-290 Corridor

Engineering firm to upgrade infrastructure and traffic flow on major Illinois highway.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:17pm

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An abstract, sweeping color photograph depicting the dynamic motion of traffic on a highway, with cars and trucks blurred into vibrant streaks of color, conceptually representing the energy and movement of a major transportation artery.Jacobs' infrastructure upgrades aim to improve traffic flow and safety on the critical I-290 corridor in Chicago.Dallas Today

Jacobs, a global engineering and construction firm, has been awarded multiple contracts to upgrade and improve travel along the I-290 corridor in the Chicago metropolitan area. The projects aim to address congestion, safety, and infrastructure issues on this major Illinois highway that connects the city to its western suburbs.

Why it matters

The I-290 corridor is a critical transportation artery for the Chicago region, carrying over 200,000 vehicles per day. Improving the efficiency and safety of this highway will have a significant impact on commute times, goods movement, and overall economic activity in the area.

The details

Jacobs' contracts include upgrading interchanges, adding new lanes, improving signaling and traffic management systems, and repairing aging bridges and pavement. The projects are part of a broader effort by the Illinois Department of Transportation to modernize the I-290 corridor and address longstanding issues with congestion and infrastructure.

  • The contracts were awarded to Jacobs in April 2026.
  • Construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2026 and be completed in phases over the next 3-4 years.

The players

Jacobs

A global engineering, construction, and technical services firm that has been awarded multiple contracts to upgrade infrastructure and improve traffic flow on the I-290 corridor in Chicago.

Illinois Department of Transportation

The state agency responsible for overseeing transportation infrastructure projects in Illinois, including the modernization efforts on the I-290 corridor.

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What they’re saying

“These critical infrastructure upgrades will help reduce congestion, improve safety, and support the economic vitality of the Chicago region for years to come.”

— Steve Demetriou, Chair and CEO of Jacobs

What’s next

The Illinois Department of Transportation will work closely with Jacobs to finalize construction timelines and coordinate any necessary lane closures or traffic diversions during the multi-year project.

The takeaway

The investment in upgrading the I-290 corridor demonstrates the ongoing commitment to improving transportation infrastructure in the Chicago metropolitan area, which will have far-reaching benefits for commuters, businesses, and the regional economy.