Tri-State Tollway (I-94/I-294/I-80) Complete Guide: I-PASS, Rates & Payment 2025
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Tri-State Tollway (I-94/I-294/I-80) Complete Guide
System: All-electronic toll collection (I-PASS/E-ZPass only, no cash)
Coverage: 76.8 miles forming Chicago bypass from Wisconsin border to Indiana border
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: I-PASS transponders, E-ZPass compatibility, license plate recognition
Operator: Illinois State Toll Highway Authority (Illinois Tollway)
Do I Need I-PASS for Tri-State Tollway? 2025 Update
Yes, you need I-PASS or E-ZPass to travel the Tri-State Tollway - the Illinois Tollway is operating all-electronic with no cash payment options anywhere on the system since conversion completed.
Key Reality: I-PASS & E-ZPass customers enjoy 50% off Illinois Tollway tolls compared to Pay By Plate rates. Without a transponder, you'll pay double through license plate billing with additional processing fees.
2025 Update: On January 1, 2025, truck/trailer toll rates increased while passenger vehicle rates remain stable. The Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) is being reconstructed from Balmoral Avenue to 95th Street with major construction ongoing through 2025.
Tri-State Tollway Costs: Current Rates
The Tri-State Tollway follows Interstate 94 from I-41/US 41 in Newport Township to I-94 in Northbrook; Interstate 294 from I-94 in Northbrook to I-294 in Hazel Crest; and Interstate 80 from I-294 in Hazel Crest to I-94/I-294/IL 394 in South Holland.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Class (2025)
| Vehicle Class | I-PASS/E-ZPass Rate | Pay By Plate Rate | Savings with I-PASS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 (Cars/Motorcycles) | $0.51-$2.05 per plaza | $1.02-$4.10 per plaza | 50% savings |
| Class 2 (2-axle, 6+ tires) | $1.02-$4.10 per plaza | $2.04-$8.20 per plaza | 50% savings |
| Class 3 (3-axle vehicles) | $1.53-$6.15 per plaza | $3.06-$12.30 per plaza | 50% savings |
| Class 4+ (4+ axle trucks) | $2.04-$18.30 per plaza | $4.08-$36.60 per plaza | 50% savings |
Route Coverage & Major Interchanges (2025)
Northern Section (I-94): Wisconsin border to Northbrook - serves Lake County, Waukegan
Central Section (I-294): Northbrook to Hazel Crest - 53.42 miles long serving as a bypass around the city of Chicago
Southern Section (I-80): Hazel Crest to Indiana border - shared with I-80 for 5.32 miles
How to Pay Tri-State Tollway Tolls
You can use the following payment methods on the Tri-State Tollway:
1. I-PASS Electronic System (Recommended):
- Save money – I-PASS & E-ZPass customers enjoy 50% off Illinois Tollway tolls
- Available as traditional transponders or new I-PASS Sticker Tags
- Works in 19 states and within more than 35 tolling agencies
- Free sticker tags available at Illinois Tollway Customer Service Centers
2. E-ZPass Compatibility:
- All E-ZPass transponders accepted system-wide
- Same 50% discount as I-PASS users
- Works for rental vehicles when license plate added to account
3. Pay By Plate (No Transponder):
- License plate recognition with invoice mailed to vehicle owner
- Pay online within 14 days to avoid additional fees
- Costs double the I-PASS rate plus processing fees
- After driving on Illinois toll roads, drivers can also pay online using the Pay by Plate service
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across the Tri-State Tollway, use TollGuru toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Major Construction Project:
- Work in 2025 includes ongoing roadway and bridge reconstruction, including between I-55 and I-88, to provide six lanes in each direction
- Reconfiguration of the I-290/I-88 Interchange at I-294, including construction of new lanes connecting I-294 to I-290 and I-88
- Traffic shifts and lane closures throughout 2025 construction season
Rate Changes:
- On January 1, 2025, truck/trailer toll rates increased to help rebuild, improve, and expand the agency's 294-mile system
- Passenger vehicle I-PASS rates remain unchanged since implementation
- Time-based pricing continues: Daytime Hours: 6:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Overnight Hours: 10:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.
Technology Updates:
- Introduction of I-PASS Sticker Tags as no-cost alternative to traditional transponders
- Enhanced license plate recognition for Pay By Plate processing
- Improved customer account management through getipass.com portal
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Full Tri-State bypass (76.8 miles): $8-12 for cars with I-PASS, $16-24 without
- Partial routes: $2-6 per segment depending on entry/exit points
- Annual I-PASS savings: $400-800 for regular Chicago area commuters
Construction Impacts (2025):
- Central I-294 section: Expect delays and lane restrictions Balmoral Avenue to 95th Street
- Several ramp closures including westbound Roosevelt Road to southbound I-294 and westbound I-290 to northbound I-294
- Alternative routes: I-90 Jane Addams Tollway or I-355 Veterans Memorial Tollway
Toll-Free Alternatives:
- US-41, US-12, US-20 for north-south travel (significantly slower)
- Local Cook County and Lake County roads parallel to tollway
- Public transit: Metra and CTA serve many destinations along corridor
Regional Toll Information
Illinois Tollway System - Interconnected Network:
- Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) - Connects to Tri-State at northwest Chicago
- Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88) - Major interchange with I-294 under reconstruction
- Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355) - North-south alternative parallel to I-294
- Chicago Skyway - Connects I-94 to Indiana Toll Road
Major Interchanges & Connection Points:
- I-290/I-88 Interchange (under major reconstruction through 2025)
- I-55 connections at multiple points along I-294
- O'Hare International Airport access via I-190
- I-57 future interchange (planned development)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Tri-State Tollway tolls completely?
Yes, but expect significantly longer travel times. Parallel routes like US-41, US-12, and local roads add 30-90 minutes to cross-Chicago journeys. For occasional users, toll-free alternatives may be viable, but regular commuters benefit substantially from I-PASS investment.
What happens if I don't pay Tri-State Tollway tolls?
Tolls must be paid within 14 days of driving on the toll road. If not, you will receive an invoice with the charge for the unpaid tolls plus administrative fees. Continued non-payment can result in license plate registration holds and collection actions.
Do motorcycles pay tolls on the Tri-State Tollway?
Yes, motorcycles pay the same Class 1 vehicle rates as passenger cars. However, they receive the same 50% I-PASS discount and are generally exempt from video toll penalties for safety reasons if they cannot stop safely at toll plazas.
Can I use E-ZPass from other states on the Tri-State Tollway?
Yes, all E-ZPass transponders work throughout the Illinois Tollway system including the Tri-State. I-PASS is compatible with tolling systems in 19 states and within more than 35 tolling agencies. You'll receive the same 50% discount as I-PASS users.
How do construction delays affect toll costs?
Toll rates remain the same regardless of construction delays. However, work zone speed limits are in effect in all construction zones 24/7, and alternative routes may be faster during peak construction periods. Consider I-355 or I-90 as alternates to central I-294 during major construction phases.
Illinois vs. Neighboring States
| State | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | All-electronic I-PASS/E-ZPass | $0.027/mile with I-PASS | 294-mile statewide network |
| Indiana | E-ZPass + cash/credit | $0.040/mile average | Indiana Toll Road (I-80/I-90) |
| Wisconsin | No tolls currently | $0.00 | Free highway system |
| Iowa | No tolls currently | $0.00 | Free interstate system |
Official Resources
- Illinois Tollway: 1-800-ITOLLWAY - Customer service and account support
- Construction Hotline: 630-246-2930 - Current construction updates
- I-PASS Customer Service: Available at service centers and online at getipass.com
- Trip Calculator: Calculate specific route tolls and travel times
