Interstate 355, Illinois

Interstate 355, IllinoisRoads of the Mid-South & West > Highways of the State of Illinois > Interstate 55, Illinois > Interstate 355, Illinois

Interstate 355

Interstate 355 is the newest of the "x55's" in Illinois. It is also the only branches of I-55 that is a toll highway. This is also the shortest of the I-55 branches. According to the Federal Highway Administration's Route Log, this highway is 32.5 miles long. I-355 carries the name of the Veterans Memorial Tollway. From Interstate 80 to Army Trail Road, I-355 is controlled and maintained by the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority. The short section from Army Trail Road to Interstate 290 is a free highway. This portion is maintained and operated by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

I-355 is not multi-plexed with any other highway in Illinois

Interstate 355 is part of by-pass around the Chicago-Metro that dates back to the 1950's. The first section of the highway runs from Interstate 90 (Jane Addams Tollway) at Woodfield, south to the Interstate 290 Extension at Itasca. This stretch of road is numbered Interstate 290, but is referred to as Illinois State Route 53. Currently, plans are in the works to extend IL St Rt 53 Expressway north and east to join with Interstate 94 near Gurnee.

The speaker of the Illinois house, Michael Madigan is one of the latest supporters of the 12.5-mile southeren extention of Interstate 355. A article in December 9th, 2003 Chicago Sun-Times noted that may not be enough to get the $750 million project started back up. Officals at the ISTHA say there is no current time table for work. When money is avalible, construction could start in a year. The current enviromental study for the project expires in 2007. When Interstate 80 was re-constructed, ramp aprons were built for the interchange. In the 12.5 mile long corridor the ISTHA currently owns most of the right-of-way for the project. At Interstate 55, the current end of the highway, the roads beds were widened. Peirs for the fly-overs at the interchange were constructed. Pictures are below. All these project were the start of the entire extension, until it was halted by a enviromental group.

The 12-mile extention of I-355 from I-55 to I-80 will start construction in December, 2004. The project was ready to go in the mid 1990's but was delayed by a legal challengeing then lack of funds. It is expected to generate 252,00 jobs and $20 million in economic benifits for this portion of Will County. I-355 will be six lans from I-55 to 143rd Street. From 143rd Street to I-80, it will be three lanes. The three lane section can be expanded in the future, should it be needed.*

Starting the first week of April, 2005, construction entrances will be placed on Cedar Road, U.S. Rt. 6, and Bruce Road. The second week of the same April, work will be focused around 167th Street, Gougar Road, 163rd Street, and 159th Street.**

The toll highway authority has held public meetings to inform and get input from the public on how the tollway extention will co-exist with the surounnding area. The highway will be at ground level with the roads going over it. Land on the eastside of the tollway will be used for a trail.***

On Veterans Day 2007 the 12.5 mile section opened.

Interstates that I-355 cross...

Interstate 80, at New Lenox.

The first BGS for I-80 on SB I-355.

SB I-355 five mile from I-80.

SB I-355 two miles from I-80.

SB I-355 one mile from I-80.

SB I-355 near I-80.

SB I-355at I-80.

A BGS 2 miles from I-80 on SB I-355. (March, 2015)

SB I-355 one mile from I-80. (March, 2015)

SB I-355 a half mile from I-80. (March, 2015)

SB I-355 at I-80. (March, 2015)
Interstate 55, at Bolingbrook/Romeoville.

The first BGS on SB I-355.

A BGS two miles from I-55 on SB I-55. (December, 2008)

A graphical BGS on SB I-355. (2005)

SB I-355 at I-55. (2005)

A BGS on SB I-355 over one mile from I-55. (Nov., 2007)

A graphical BGS on SB I-355. (Nov., 2007)

SB I-355 at I-55. (Nov., 2007)

SB I-355 three miles from I-55. (October, 2016)

SB I-355 just over one mile from I-55. (October, 2016)

SB I-355 near I-55. (October, 2016)

SB I-355 at NB I-55. (October, 2016)

SB I-355 at SB I-55. (October, 2016)

SB I-355 three miles from I-55. (September, 2019)

SB I-355 two miles from I-55. (September, 2019)

SB I-355 over one mile from I-55. (September, 2019)

SB I-355 near I-55. (September, 2019)

SB I-355 at NB I-55. (September, 2019)

SB I-355 at SB I-55. (September, 2019)

The first BGS on NB I-355. (Nov., 2007)

NB I-355 three and a half miles south of I-55. (Nov., 2007)

A BGS on NB I-355 for NB I-55. (Nov., 2007)

NB I-355 near I-55. (Nov., 2007)

NB I-355 at I-55. (Nov., 2007)

A BGS for NB I-55 on NB I-355. (July, 20150

NB I-355 under one mile from I-55. (July, 2015)

NB I-355 at I-55. (July, 2015)

NB I-355 at SB I-55. (July, 2015)
Interstate 88, (Reagan Tollway) at Downers Grove.

The 2 mile BGS on NB I-355.

The two mile BGS on NB I-355. (April, 2009)

The 1 mile BGS on NB I-355.

NB I-355 one mile from I-88. (June, 2010)

NB I-355 near the ramp to I-88.

Another BGS near the ramp to I-88 on NB I-355.

A sign at the gore point on NB I-355.

Ramp from NB I-355 to I-88. The ramp to WB I-88 curves off and goes into a tunnel under I-88.

NB I-355 two miles from I-88. (July, 2015)

NB I-355 one mile from I-88. (July, 2015)

NB I-355 near I-88. (July, 2015)

NB I-355 at I-88. (July, 2015)

NB I-355 two miles from I-88. (September, 2019)

NB I-355 one mile from I-88. (September, 2019)

NB I-355 near I-88. (September, 2019)

NB I-355 before I-88. (September, 2019)

NB I-355 at I-88. (September, 2019)

SB I-355 two miles from I-88. (Nov., 2007)

SB I-355 one mile from I-88. (Nov., 2007)

SB I-355 one mile from I-88. (Sept., 2012)

SB I-355 near I-88. (Nov., 2007)

SB I-355 near I-88. (Sept., 2012)

SB I-355 at I-88. (Nov., 2007)

SB I-355 one mile from I-88. (May, 2021)

SB I-355 before I-88. (May, 2021)

SB I-355 near I-88. (May, 2021)
Interstate 290, at Itasca.

NB I-355 one mile from I-290.

NB I-355 near I-290.

NB I-355 at the interchange with I-290.

NB I-355 before the roadway divides for I-290.

NB I-355 one mile from I-290. (July, 2015)

NB I-355 under one mile from I-290. (July, 2015)

NB I-355 near I-290. (July, 2015)

NB I-355 at I-290. (July, 2015)

NB I-355 before I-290. (May, 2021)

NB I-355 near I-290. (May, 2021)

NB I-322 at I-290. (May, 2021)

Toll Plazas on I-355

Spring Creek Plaza near Lockport.

The first toll warning sign on NB I-355. (Nov., 2007)

The first toll warning sign on NB I-355. (April, 2010)

NB I-355 a half mile from the Spring Creek Toll. (Nov., 2007)

The first toll warning sign on NB I-355. (April, 2010)

Lane markers on NB I-355. (Nov., 2007)

The stop ahead sign on NB I-355. (Nov., 2007)

NB I-355 at the Spring Creek Toll Plaza. (Nov., 2007)

NB I-355 in the I-PASS lanes at the Spring Creek Toll Plaza. (January, 2009)

NB I-355 one mile from the Spring Creek Toll Plaza. (June, 2018)

NB I-355 a half mile from the Spring Creek Toll Plaza. (June,2018)

Lane markers on NB I-355 for the Spring Creek Toll Plaza. (June, 2018)

The stop ahead sign on NB I-355 for the Spring Creek Toll Plaza. (June, 2018)

The toll warning sign on NB I-355 at the Spring Creek Toll Plaza. (January, 2021)

NB I-355 at the Spring Creek Toll Plaza. (June, 2018)

NB I-355 at the I-Pass Toll Lanes for the Spring Creek Toll Plaza. (June, 2018)

Lane markers on NB I-355 for the Spring Creek Toll Plaza. (August, 2021)

NB I-355 at the Spring Creek Toll Plaza. (August, 2021)

NB I-355 at the I-Pass Lanes of the Spring Creek Toll Plaza. (August, 2021)

SB I-355 less than a mile from the plaza. (Nov., 2007)

SB I-355 less than a mile from the plaza. (April, 2010)

SB I-355 a quarter mile from the plaza. (Nov., 2007)

SB I-355 a quarter mile from the plaza. (April, 2010)

Lane markers on SB I-355. (Nov., 2007)

SB I-355 at the Spring Creek Plaza. (Nov., 2007)

SB I-355 3/4 mile from the Spring Creek Plaza. (March, 2015)

SB I-355 1/2 mile from the Spring Creek Plaza. (March, 2015)

SB I-355 at the lane separation for the Spring Creek Plaza. (March, 2015)

The stop ahead marker for the SB lanes. (March, 2015)

SB I-355 at the Spring Creek Plaza. (March, 2015)

SB I-355 at the I-Pass lanes. (March, 2015)

A price chart on SB I-355. (March, 2015)

A toll warning sign on SB I-355. (August, 2021)

Lane markers on SB I-355 for the Spring Creek Toll Plaza. (August, 2021)

SB I-355 at the Spring Creek Toll Plaza. (August, 2021)

The I-Pass lanes on SB I-355 at the Spring Creek Toll Plaza. (August, 2021)
Boughton Road Plaza Number 89 in Bolingbrook.

A toll warning sign near the Boughton Road Toll Plaza on NB I-355. (2003)

NB I-355 at Boughton Road near the Boughton Road Toll Plaza. (2003)

View of the Boughton Road Toll Plaza from the I-PASS Lanes. (2003)

The first toll warning sign on NB I-355. (Nov. 2005)

The lane markers on the overpass for Boughton Road on NB I-355. (Nov. 2005)

The Boughton Road Toll Plaza on NB I-355. (Nov. 2005)

The first warning sign on NB I-355. (September, 2008)

The first toll warning sign on NB I-355. (April, 2010)

NB I-355 a half mile from the Boughton Plaza. (September, 2008)

NB I-355 a half mile from the Bougthon Plaza. (April, 2010)

The lane markers on the Boughton Road overpass. (September, 2008)

The stop ahead sign on NB I-355. (September, 2008)

NB I-355 at the Boughton Toll Plaza. (September, 2008)

NB I-355 under one mile from the Boughton Toll Plaza. (February, 2020)

NB I-355 a half mile from the Boughton Toll Plaza. (February, 2020)

Lane markers on NB I-355 for the Boughton Toll Plaza. (February, 2020)

NB I-355 at the Boughton Toll Plaza. (February, 2020)

The toll ahead sign on NB I-355 for the Boughton Toll Plaza. (June, 2022)

A lane maker for the Boughton Toll Plaza on NB I-355. (June, 2022)

A lane marker for the Boughton Toll Plaza on NB I-355. (June, 2022)

NB I-355 at the Boughton Toll Plaza. (June, 2022)

The I-Pass Lanes on NB I-355 at the Boughton Toll Plaza. (June, 2022)

The first toll warning sign for the Boughton road Toll Plaza on SB I-355.

Another warning sign on SB I-355.

SB I-355 at the lane markers for the toll plaza.

The stop ahead sign for the cash lanes on SB I-355.

The Boughton Road Toll Plaza on SB I-355.

SB I-355 in the I-PASS lanes at the Boughton Road Toll Plaza. (February, 2009)

SB I-355 one mile from the Boughton Road Toll Plaza. (October, 2016)

A toll warning sign on SB I-355. (October, 2016)

Lane markers on SB I-355. (October, 2016)

A stop ahead sign on SB I-355. (October, 2016)

SB I-355 at the Boughton Toll Plaza. (October, 2016)

SB I-355 in the I-Pass lanes at the Boughton Toll Plaza. (October, 2016)

The toll warning sign on SB I-355. (August, 2021)

Lane markers on SB I-355 for the Boughton Road Toll Plaza. (August, 2021)

SB I-355 at the Boughton Road Toll Plaza. (August, 2021)
Army Trail Road Plaza Number 73 in Addison.

Warnign sign at North Ave. on NB I-355. (2003)

NB I-355 near the Army Trail Toll Plaza. (2003)

NB I-355 closing in on the Army Trail Toll Plaza. (2003)

NB I-355 at the Army Trail Toll Plaza. (2003)

Looking north out of the Army Trail Toll Plaza. (2003)

The first toll warning sign on NB I-355. (Nov. 2005)

Lane makrers on NB I-355 near North Ave. (Nov. 2005)

Another lane marker on NB I-355. (Nov. 2005)

the stop a head sign on NB I-355. (Nov. 2005)

The Army Trail Toll Plaza on NB I-355. (Nov. 2005)

NB I-355 one mile from the Army Trail Toll Plaza. (Nov., 2007)

NB I-355 one mile from the Army Trail Toll Plaza. (April, 2010)

NB I-355 one half mile from the Army Trail Toll Plaza. (Nov., 2007)

NB I-355 one half mile from the Army Trail Toll Plaza. (April, 2010)

Lane markers on NB I-355. (Nov., 2007)

The stop ahead sign on NB I-355. (Nov., 2007)

NB I-355 at the Army Trail Toll Plaza. (April, 2010)

NB I-355 at the I-PASS lanes of the Army Trail Toll Plaza. (April, 2010)

NB I-355 one mile from the Army Trail Toll Plaza. (July, 2015)

The cash price sign the Army Trail Toll Plaza. (July, 2015)

NB I-355 a half mile from the Army Trail Toll Plaza. (July, 2015)

The lane markers on NB I-355 for the Army Trail Toll Plaza. (July, 2015)

Lane markers for the cash lanes. (July, 2015)

Looking north at the Army Trail Toll Plaza. (July, 2015)

The price paid sign for the Army Trail Toll Plaza on NB I-355. (July, 2015)

The Toll Ahead sign on NB I-355 for the Army Trail Toll Plaza. (April, 2022)

Lane markers on NB I-355 for the Army Trail Toll Plaza. (April, 2022)

A lane marker on NB I-355 for the Army Trail Toll Plaza. (April, 2022)

NB I-355 at the Army Trail Toll Plaza. (April, 2022)

SB I-355 one mile from the Army Trail Toll Plaza. (Nov., 2007)

SB I-355 one mile from the Army Trail Toll Plaza. (April, 2010)

SB I-355 a half mile from the plaza. (Nov., 2007)

SB I-355 a half mile frm the Army Trail Toll Plaza. (April, 2010)

Lane markers on SB I-355. (Nov., 2007)

The stop ahead sign on SB I-355. (Nov., 2007)

The stop ahead sign on SB I-355. (April, 2010)

SB I-355 at the Army Trail Toll Plaza. (April, 2010)

SB I-355 at the I-PASS lanes at the Army Trail Toll Plaza. (April, 2010)

SB I-355 at the Army Trail Toll Plaza. (Nov., 2007)

SB I-355 one mile from the Army Trail Toll Plaza. (May, 2021)

A toll warning sign on SB I-355. (May, 2021)

Lane markers for the Army Trail Toll Plaza on SB I-355. (May, 2021)

Another lane marker on SB I-355. (May, 2021)

The Army Trail Toll Plaza on SB I-355. (May, 2021)

The I-Pass Lanes at the Army Trail Plaza on SB I-355. (May, 2021)

Info on the Veterans Memorial Tollway and the Southern Extension

I-355's Parent Route

A BGS on WB I-80.

NB I-355 at the southern start. (2007).

The southern start of I-355. (Nov., 2007)

The southern start marker on NB I-355. (Nov., 2007)

The southern end of I-355 at I-80. (Nov., 2007)

The southern end marker. (Nov., 2007)

NB I-355 at Cedar Road. (Nov., 2007)

A junction marker on EB U.S. Rt. 6.

A set of guide markers on EB U.S. Rt. 6.

A BGS on EB U.S. Rt. 6.

A guide marker on EB U.S. Rt. 6.

NB I-355 north of U.S. Rt. 6. (Nov., 2007)

NB I-355 south of IL St Rt 7. (Nov., 2007)

A junction marker on NB IL St Rt 7.

Looking north at I-355 from IL St Rt 7. (Nov., 2007)

A guide marker on NB IL St Rt 7.

A BGS on SB IL St Rt 7.

A BGS on NB IL St Rt 7.

NB I-355 at the Cook/Will County Line.

NB I-355 at 151st Street.

A guide marker on NB IL St Rt 171.

A sign for the Des Plaines River Valley Bridge.

Looking north at the Des Plaines River Valley Bridge from the southern bluff. (Nov., 2007)

NB I-355 crossing the Des Plaines River Valley Bridge. (Nov., 2007)

A BGS on NB I-55.

A set of guide markers on NB Joliet Road.

A set of BGS's on NB Joliet Road.

The former southern end sign at I-55 prior 2007.

Tollway greeting sign on NB I-355 near I-55.

Junction sign on EB Boughton Road.

Guide signs at I-355 on EB Boughton Road. The "Illinois" is on many I-355 signs.

BGS for the ramp to SB I-355. Note the use of a narrow shield, and the state name is included.

A junction marker on WB Boughton Road.

SB I-355 at the Du Page/Will County Line.

NB I-355 at the Will/Du Page County Line.

NB I-355 near 75th Street.

NB I-355 at 75th Street.

NB I-355 north of 75th Street.

NB I-355 near 63rd Street.

NB I-355 at 63rd Street.

A junction marker on Hobson Road.

A BGS on WB 63rd Street.

A guide marker on WB 63rd Street.

Sign on NB I-355.

A junction marker on EB Maple Ave.

A BGS on Maple Ave. in Downers Grove. (Nov., 2007)

NB I-355 at U.S. Rt. 34/Ogden Ave.

A guide marker on Main Street in Downers Grove.

A set of junction markers on EB U.S. Rt. 34.

A set of guide markers on EB U.S. Rt. 34.

A BGS guide sign on EB U.S. Rt. 34.

A set of guide markers on EB U.S. Rt. 34.

A junction marker on WB U.S. Rt. 34.

A guide marker on WB U.S. Rt. 34.

A set of BGS's on a ramp from U.S. Rt. 34.

SB I-355 near Ogden Ave.

NB I-355 north of U.S. Rt. 34/Ogden Ave.

A junction marker on EB U.S. Rt. 34.

NB I-355 at the tunnel under I-88.

I-355 curves under I-88 in a tunnel.

BGS on WB I-88.

BGS on EB I-88 for SB I-355.

Overhead sign on EB I-88.

A BGS on EB I-88/IL St Rt 110.

NB I-355 at Finley Road.

NB I-355 near the ramp from SB I-355 to EB and WB I-88.

Overhead sign on NB I-355.

A BGS on NB I-355.

Sign on IL St Rt 56 at I-355 in Downers Grove.

A guide marker on NB Highland Ave.

A BGS on NB Highland Ave.

Toll plaza on the entrance ramp to SB I-355 from IL St Rt 56.

NB I-355 at Butterfield Road (IL St Rt 56).

NB I-355 at 22nd Ave.

NB guide marker.

A junction marker on EB IL St Rt 38.

A guide marker on EB IL St Rt 38.

A BGS on WB IL St Rt 38.

NB I-355 south of St. Charles Road.

NB I-355 south of North Ave.

NB I-355 at IL St Rt 64/North Ave.

A junction marker on WB IL St Rt 64.

A set of guide markers on WB IL St Rt 64.

A BGS on WB IL St Rt 64.

A guide marker on SB IL St Rt 53.

A construction warning sign on NB I-355 near the Army Trail Toll Plaza. (Nov. 2005)

One of the few guide markers to have the Ike System Marker and a Toll marker on it.

BGS on SB I-355.

Thank you sign on NB I-355 near Lake Street.

SB I-355 at Army Trail Road.

A BGS on SB I-355.

A overhead BGS on EB Army Trail Road.

BGS for the Army Trail Road Exit. This is the last exit SB before the tollway.

NB I-355 near Lake Street (U.S. Rt. 20).

A guide marker on WB U.S. Rt. 20.

Guide sign on WB I-90 (Northwest Tollway).

A set of guide signs on WB DPCH 26.

A BGS on WB IL St Rt 390.

A BGS on EB IL St Rt 390.

The northern end of I-355 is not markered, prior to 2012. All traffic enters either east or westbound I-290 at Itasca.

The northern end of I-355.

The northern end marker.

The northern end marker. (September, 2019)

*Work on I-355 extension to start next month. (Joliet Herald-News 29 October 2004 A3)
**Drivers will face I-355 project. (Joliet Herald-News 2 April 2005)
***Forum held on I-355 extension (Joliet Herald-news 24 April 2005)

13 April 2023