1.6 Million Cars Expected on the Roads Today

The Illinois Tollway expects 15.4 million cars to use the tollway system during the Christmas and New Year's holidays. Between Friday, Dec. 23, and Tuesday, Jan. 3, a three percent increase is projected over the same period in 2010.  

The heaviest travel is anticipated on Friday, Dec. 23, when the tollway expects 1.6 million vehicles to be on the road. On an average day, about 1.4 million vehicles use the tollway.

To accommodate increased holiday travel, the tollway will suspend all temporary maintenance and construction lane closures from noon on Friday, Dec. 23, until 9 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 26, and from noon on Friday, Dec. 30, until 9 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 2. Some maintenance and construction may continue behind barriers to keep work on schedule, but this is not expected to impact traffic.

"The Illinois Tollway wishes a safe and happy holiday season to all of our customers," said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Kristi Lafleur. "Drivers should remain alert with increased holiday traffic and remember that texting or emailing while driving is illegal and deadly."

Drivers on the Illinois Tollway who need to check email or send a text message should pull over to a safe location. In Illinois, cell phone distractions, including texting, were the primary or secondary cause of 1,119 vehicle crashes in 2010.

Reminder: Free Coffee For Drivers At Oases

Don't Forget: New Toll Rates On January 1, 2012

At midnight on Jan. 1, toll rates for cars will increase. Rates vary by road, plaza and ramp. For a complete list, visit www.illinoistollway.com

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To Get An I-PASS:

• Visit an Illinois Tollway Customer Service Center, open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Visit one of Jewel-Osco's 180+ Northern Illinois locations
• Go online
• Call 1-800-UC-IPASS (800-824-7277).

Remember: Illinois State Police District 15 Out in Force

Illinois State Police District 15 will be out in force patrolling the Illinois Tollway throughout the holidays. District 15 Troopers will conduct roadside safety checks and will focus on the fatal four offenses, including speeding, DUI, seat belt enforcement and distracted driving.

Know Before You Go Travel Tips

Updated travel information can be found at the following sources:

• Burr Ridge Patch Traffic & Gas
• www.illinoistollway.com - Construction/Planning section
• 1-800-TOLL-FYI - Daily lane closure information
• www.travelmidwest.com - Real-time travel times

Places to Rest and Refuel—There are seven oases located along the tollway system where drivers can find McDonald's, Starbucks, Subway, Panda Express and retail shops. Each Oasis facility provides food courts, kid-friendly spaces and a stop for texting, cellular and Wi-Fi services.

Need Help?  Dial *999 —If your vehicle becomes disabled, park safely on the shoulder, raise your hood and stay inside. Dial *999, and assistance will be dispatched to your location.

*The above information and media announcement was provided by the Illinois Tollway