Chicago area traffic: New ramp connecting the SB Tri-State Tollway to the opening of County Line Road

NORTHLAKE, Ill. (WLS) — A new ramp will open Monday on the southbound Tri-State Turnpike.

Illinois Tollway officials say this new ramp will reduce traffic congestion and help support local economic development.

The new County Line Road ramp creates access from the southbound Tri-State Turnpike to North Avenue.

Helicopter 7 flew over the new ramp Monday morning. This new ramp brings drivers directly into an area that serves as a critical hub for commercial and industrial activity in Northlake, Elmhurst, Franklin Park and Bensenville.

“The area surrounding North Avenue and Lake Street is one of the most important commercial and industrial corridors along the Tri-State Turnpike,” said Cassaundra Rouse, executive director of the Illinois Turnpike. “For years, traffic congestion at the I-290 interchange has limited access. From I-294, this has created bottlenecks that have affected commuters, the movement of goods and local businesses.

Previously, commuters had to use the I-290 – I-88 ramp to access the area, which created a lot of traffic congestion.

This new ramp, along with improvements to the North Avenue interchange, should help improve access to 294, North Avenue and Lake Street.