Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355) Complete Guide: I-PASS, Rates & Payment 2025
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Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355) Complete Guide
System: Mixed electronic and limited cash payment (I-PASS/E-ZPass + 3 manned toll stations)
Coverage: 32.5 miles from I-80 (New Lenox) to I-290 (Itasca) through Chicago western suburbs
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: I-PASS Express Lanes (ORT), license plate recognition, LED lighting
Operator: Illinois State Toll Highway Authority (Illinois Tollway)
Do I Need I-PASS for Veterans Memorial Tollway? 2025 Update
No, you don't need I-PASS to drive the Veterans Memorial Tollway - but you'll save significantly and enjoy faster travel with one. There are only three manned toll stations along the entire 32.5-mile route: Army Trail Road, Boughton Road, and Spring Creek.
Key Reality: I-355 pioneered I-PASS Express Lanes (Open Road Tolling) in 1999, allowing transponder users to pay tolls at highway speeds of 55 mph. Without I-PASS/E-ZPass, you'll pay double the rate plus potential penalties at unattended plazas.
2025 Update: On January 1, 2025, truck/trailer toll rates increased while passenger vehicle rates remain stable. Ongoing toll plaza repairs and roadway improvements continue throughout the corridor with LED lighting upgrades completed.
Veterans Memorial Tollway Costs: Current Rates
The Veterans Memorial Tollway runs from I-80 in New Lenox north to I-290 in Itasca, serving as a crucial north-south corridor through Chicago's western suburbs. Originally opened in 1989 as the North-South Tollway, it was renamed in 2007 to honor all military veterans.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Class (2025)
| Toll Plaza | I-PASS/E-ZPass (Cars) | Cash/Pay By Plate (Cars) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Creek Toll Plaza | $1.05 | $2.10 | Mile 1.0 (Southern Extension) |
| Boughton Road Toll Plaza | $1.70 | $3.40 | Mile 13.5 (Bolingbrook) |
| Army Trail Road Toll Plaza | $2.05 | $4.10 | Mile 29.0 (Addison) |
| Full Length Total | $4.80 | $9.60 | 50% I-PASS savings |
Route Segments & Connections (2025)
Southern Extension (2007): I-80 to I-55 - 12.5 miles through Will County's fastest-growing region
Original Alignment (1989): I-55 to I-290 - 20 miles serving DuPage County western suburbs
Major Interchanges: I-88 (Reagan Memorial Tollway) complex interchange at Downers Grove/Lisle
How to Pay Veterans Memorial Tollway Tolls
You can use the following payment methods on the Veterans Memorial Tollway:
1. I-PASS Express Lanes (Recommended):
- Pay tolls at highway speeds of 55 mph without stopping
- I-355 was the first tollway to receive I-PASS Express Lanes (ORT) in 1999
- Three express lanes in each direction match the number of travel lanes
- 50% savings compared to cash/Pay By Plate rates
2. E-ZPass Compatibility:
- All E-ZPass transponders accepted in express lanes
- Same 50% discount and high-speed passage as I-PASS
- Works throughout the 19-state I-PASS/E-ZPass network
3. Cash Payment (Limited Locations):
- Three manned toll stations: Army Trail Road, Boughton Road, and Spring Creek
- Exact coins only at unattended toll plazas
- Double the I-PASS rate at all cash-accepting locations
4. Pay By Plate (Backup):
- License plate recognition for vehicles without transponders
- Invoice mailed to vehicle owner
- Pay online within 14 days to avoid additional fees
- Double the I-PASS rate plus processing fees
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across the Veterans Memorial Tollway, use TollGuru toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Infrastructure Improvements:
- Roosevelt Road Interchange ramps repairs completed in 2024
- LED lighting replacement project finished - converted from high-pressure sodium to energy-efficient LED technology
- Toll plaza repairs ongoing at various locations throughout the corridor
- 17.5-mile road and bridge rehabilitation project from Butterfield Road to Army Trail Road completed
Rate & Technology Updates:
- January 1, 2025: Truck/trailer toll rates increased for system-wide infrastructure improvements
- Passenger vehicle I-PASS rates remain unchanged maintaining 50% discount advantage
- Fiber optic improvements and intelligent transportation system (ITS) upgrades completed
- Enhanced roadway camera and ramp queue detection systems installed
Environmental & Safety Enhancements:
- Veterans Memorial Trail construction ongoing - 15-20 foot corridor for multi-use trail
- Continued monitoring of Hine's Emerald Dragonfly (federally endangered species)
- Blanding's Turtle protection measures at Des Plaines River crossing
- Bridge repairs and deck improvements on 10 bridges completed
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Full corridor (32.5 miles): $4.80 with I-PASS, $9.60 without transponder for cars
- Typical suburban segments: $1.05-2.05 per toll plaza with I-PASS
- Annual I-PASS savings: $600-1,200 for regular Chicago western suburbs commuters
- No tolls north of Army Trail Road (final 2.5 miles to I-290 are free)
Travel Features:
- Six lanes wide for entire length (eight lanes between 75th Street and US 34)
- No oases or service areas - widespread access to food/fuel in western suburbs
- Veterans memorials: Spring Creek plaza has flags representing all military branches
- Des Plaines River Valley Bridge features emblems and blue lights honoring veterans
Geographic Advantages:
- Direct north-south connection avoiding downtown Chicago congestion
- Access to O'Hare International Airport via I-290 connection
- Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery access via southern extension
- Strategic connection between Will County (fastest-growing region) and DuPage County
Regional Toll Information
Illinois Tollway System - Strategic Connections:
- Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88) - Complex interchange at Downers Grove/Lisle with side-by-side running
- Tri-State Tollway (I-94/I-294/I-80) - Connection via I-80 interchange at southern terminus
- Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) - Connection via I-290 at northern terminus
- Illinois Route 390 Tollway - Access via I-290 connection
Major Suburban Connections:
- I-55 interchange at Bolingbrook - Major cross-state route connection
- US 34 (Ogden Avenue) - Key east-west suburban arterial
- US 20 (Lake Street) - Northwestern suburban connection
- Various county roads serving DuPage and Will County communities
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Veterans Memorial Tollway tolls completely?
Yes, you can use Illinois Route 53 (parallel free road) and various county roads, but expect significantly longer travel times (20-45 minutes additional) and heavy suburban traffic. I-355 was specifically built to ease congestion on IL 53.
What makes I-355 special among Illinois tollways?
I-355 pioneered I-PASS Express Lanes (Open Road Tolling) in 1999, was the first to match express lanes with travel lanes (three each direction), and has no oases due to abundant suburban services. It's also the only tollway entirely dedicated to veterans.
Why was it renamed Veterans Memorial Tollway?
Originally the North-South Tollway (1989), it was renamed Veterans Memorial Tollway in 2007 when the southern extension opened. The name honors all military veterans and leads to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.
What environmental considerations affect I-355?
The southern extension construction was delayed several years due to discovery of the federally endangered Hine's Emerald Dragonfly and concerns for Des Plaines River wetlands. Ongoing monitoring protects both the dragonfly and Blanding's Turtle populations.
Are there any free sections of I-355?
Yes, the final 2.5 miles from Army Trail Road to I-290 are toll-free and maintained by the Illinois Department of Transportation. This section includes the US 20 (Lake Street) interchange.
Illinois vs. Neighboring States
| State | North-South Toll Facility | Typical Cost | Technology |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355) | $0.148/mile with I-PASS | I-PASS Express Lanes (ORT) |
| Indiana | Limited toll facilities | Indiana Toll Road (east-west only) | E-ZPass, cash/credit |
| Wisconsin | No tolls currently | $0.00 | Free interstate system |
| Iowa | No tolls currently | $0.00 | Free interstate system |
Useful Resources
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
- Daily Construction Alert: Up-to-date closure information for project areas
Veterans Memorial Information:
- Spring Creek Toll Plaza: Military branch flags memorial display
- Des Plaines River Valley Bridge: Veterans emblems and blue honor lights
- Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery: Accessible via southern extension
- Veterans Memorial Trail: Multi-use trail construction ongoing along corridor
Historical Timeline:
- 1984: Legislature authorized North-South Tollway construction
- 1989: Original segment opened (I-55 to I-290) as North-South Tollway
- 1999: First I-PASS Express Lanes (ORT) implemented
- 2007: Southern extension opened (I-55 to I-80), renamed Veterans Memorial Tollway
- 2009: Widening completed between 75th Street and US 34 (eight lanes)
