DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. – The Illinois Tollway has mobilized its full fleet of 196 snowplows in response to snowfall that began Thursday and is expected to continue into Friday, possibly causing variable pavement conditions that could affect drivers.
The Tollway’s Snow Operations Center is open to manage the agency’s systemwide response.
“Keeping our customers safe by keeping our roads clear of snow and ice is our top priority and to accomplish this we’ll have crews working continuously until this storm ends,” Illinois Tollway Executive Director José Alvarez said. “We’re urging drivers to help us protect them by slowing down and increasing their distance from other vehicles, especially plows and emergency responders.”
To respond to this weather event, the Illinois Tollway has a full complement of more than 200 staff and supervisors working per shift to ensure that roadways are kept clear of snow and ice.
Drivers whose vehicles become disabled should activate their hazard lights and dial *999 from a cellphone for assistance from Illinois State Police District 15. Drivers should note the roadway they are using, as well as the direction of travel and nearest milepost or crossroad. For crashes involving property damage only, drivers should report the incident to 630-241-6800 ext. 5042 and continue driving.
To receive real-time information on pavement conditions and roadway incidents, drivers should up for Tollway Trip Tweets at twitter.com from the Tollway’s website at illinoistollway.com. Tweeters can follow all five Tollway Trips or just the roadways that interest them. The five are: @94_294_Tollway, @I_90_Tollway, @I_88_Tollway, @I_355_Tollway and @IL_390_Tollway.
Before traveling, customers can access live camera feeds that offer “bird’s-eye” views from more than 20 different locations along the Tollway system. The camera feeds are easily accessible on the “Interactive Tollway Map” at illinoistollway.com.
The Illinois Tollway reminds motorists the state’s “Move Over Law” requires motorists to change lanes or to slow down and proceed with caution when passing any vehicle stopped on the side of the road with hazard lights activated.
Drivers also should use caution when passing snowplows. During heavy snowfall, snowplows often work in tandem to remove as much ice, slush and snow as possible from all lanes at once. When it is safe to pass, the plows spread out and allow traffic to flow around them.
Tollway Travel Tips
- The Tollway offers the following tips for winter weather events:
- Slow down and leave enough time to reach your destination.
- Do not make sudden lane changes and always use your turn signal.
- Don’t follow too closely and increase your intervals between vehicles.
- Remember to always wear your safety belt and ensure children under the age of 8 are securely restrained in child safety seats.
- Clear snow from your vehicle before driving to ensure adequate visibility.
- Drop It and Drive. Don’t text or use a hand-held cellphone while driving. Both are illegal.
The Trucker News Staff produces engaging content for not only TheTrucker.com, but also The Trucker Newspaper, which has been serving the trucking industry for more than 30 years. With a focus on drivers, the Trucker News Staff aims to provide relevant, objective content pertaining to the trucking segment of the transportation industry. The Trucker News Staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.
