Tollway Applies to Test Connected Vehicles on I-90 from Rockford to O’Hare

The Illinois Tollway Board of Directors has agreed to apply to participate in a federal pilot program to test new connected vehicle technology. This would allow cars and trucks to share real-time information about traffic congestion and roadway conditions to help reduce crashes.

If awarded, the partnership would allow the Tollway to test the new technology on the Jane Addams Tollway (I-90). According to a press release, the U.S. Department of Transportation is awarding contracts between $2 and $20 million to partnerships involved in the testing. The "smart corridor" is part of I-90's $2.5 billion rebuilding and widening project that spans 62 miles from Rockford to O'Hare Airport.

A press release stated that the Illinois Tollway is one of only five roadway agencies that is a federally affiliated test bed for connected vehicle technology.