Interstate 90 (Illinois)

Interstate 90 (Illinois)
source
Country	USA
State	Illinois
Route	90
Length mi	123.89
Length km	199.38
Established	1956
Direction a	West
Terminus a	I-90/I-39 at Wisconsin state line
Direction b	East
Terminus b	Indiana Toll Road at Indiana state line

Interstate 90 (Illinois) is a major east-west Interstate Highway that spans across the northern part of Illinois, passing through several counties, including Boone, McHenry, Kane, Cook, and Lake. The highway is a significant route for both local and long-distance travel, connecting Chicago to other major cities like Milwaukee, Madison, and South Bend. As part of the Illinois Department of Transportation's network, Interstate 90 (Illinois) is maintained by the Federal Highway Administration and is a key component of the National Highway System. The highway also intersects with other major routes, such as I-39, I-43, and I-94, which provide access to Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan.

● Route Description

Interstate 90 (Illinois) begins at the Wisconsin state line, where it meets I-90/I-39 and continues eastward, passing through the Rockford area and intersecting with US-20 and IL-2. The highway then enters the Chicago metropolitan area, where it meets I-294 and I-355, providing access to O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport. As it approaches the Indiana state line, Interstate 90 (Illinois) intersects with I-94 and US-41, before merging with the Indiana Toll Road and continuing into Indiana. The highway passes through several notable cities, including Elgin, Arlington Heights, and Schaumburg, which are home to various attractions like the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Arlington Park, and Woodfield Mall. Additionally, the highway is near several institutions, including Northern Illinois University, Harper College, and Northwestern University.

● History

The construction of Interstate 90 (Illinois) began in the late 1950s, as part of the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956, which aimed to create a comprehensive network of highways across the United States. The highway was designed to replace the existing US-30 and US-20 routes, which were becoming increasingly congested. The construction process involved the collaboration of several agencies, including the Federal Highway Administration, the Illinois Department of Transportation, and the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The highway was officially opened to traffic in 1960, with the final segment being completed in 1962. Since then, Interstate 90 (Illinois) has undergone several upgrades and renovations, including the addition of new interchanges and the reconstruction of existing ones, such as the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway and the Kennedy Expressway. The highway has also been recognized for its significance, being designated as part of the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways and the National Highway System.

● Exit List

The exit list for Interstate 90 (Illinois) includes several notable interchanges, such as the I-39 and I-43 interchange near Rockford, the I-294 and I-355 interchange near Chicago, and the I-94 and US-41 interchange near the Indiana state line. Other significant exits include those for US-20 and IL-2 near Rockford, IL-53 and IL-59 near Schaumburg, and IL-83 and IL-137 near Libertyville. The highway also passes near several attractions, including the Illinois Railway Museum, the Volo Auto Museum, and the Six Flags Great America theme park. Additionally, the highway is close to several institutions, including Roosevelt University, DePaul University, and Loyola University Chicago.

● Major Intersections

Interstate 90 (Illinois) intersects with several major highways, including I-39, I-43, I-94, I-294, and I-355. The highway also meets US-20, US-41, and IL-2, providing access to various cities and attractions. The intersection with I-294 and I-355 near Chicago is particularly notable, as it provides access to O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport. Other significant intersections include those with IL-53 and IL-59 near Schaumburg, and IL-83 and IL-137 near Libertyville. The highway is also near several notable landmarks, including the Willis Tower, the John Hancock Center, and the Navy Pier.

● Traffic Volume

The traffic volume on Interstate 90 (Illinois) is significant, with thousands of vehicles traveling on the highway every day. According to data from the Federal Highway Administration, the average daily traffic volume on Interstate 90 (Illinois) is over 100,000 vehicles per day, with peak volumes reaching over 200,000 vehicles per day during rush hour. The highway is also a major route for commercial traffic, with many trucking companies and logistics providers using the highway to transport goods across the United States. The traffic volume on Interstate 90 (Illinois) is also influenced by various events and attractions, such as Chicago Cubs games at Wrigley Field, Chicago Bears games at Soldier Field, and Lollapalooza music festival in Grant Park. Additionally, the highway is near several major transportation hubs, including Union Station and Ogilvie Transportation Center.

Category:Interstate Highways in Illinois