Largest rate hike in years coming for Illinois Tollway drivers. How much more you could pay

Illinois drivers will want to pay attention: you’re about to pay more to travel in the state.

The Illinois Tollway Board on Wednesday unanimously approved what will be the highest rate hike in years as part of a $26.5 billion plan to “reduce congestion” and “modernize the tollway system” for the next 15 years.

“This investment is about planning responsibly for the future of a transportation system that is critical to our region,” Tollway Board Chairman Arnie Rivera said in a statement.

So what will this mean for drivers across the state? Here’s what you need to know:

How much will the rates rise?

The rate hike will see a 45-cent increase for passenger vehicles that use I-Pass stickers. Those that don’t have I-Pass stickers would see an increase of 90-cents.

Tolls for commercial vehicles would increase by 30 percent, the agency said.

“In addition, the Tollway will adjust rates in accordance with the Consumer Price Index every other year to provide cost predictability for customers,” tollway officials said.

According to the Illinois Policy Institute, which advocated against the hike, the increase would amount to roughly $200 more per year for a driver who uses two tolls a day.

When will the rate hikes begin?

The hikes will take effect starting Jan. 1, 2027.

Where will the money go?

The hikes will help fund the next 15 years of roadwork on the tollway system, the agency said.

“The Driving Connections investment is focused on rebuilding and rehabilitating roads and bridges, improving interchanges and access, reducing traffic delays and making the systemwide investments necessary to keep nearly 300 miles of Tollway safe and reliable,” the board said in a release.