Truck Tolls to Increase 40 Percent on the Illinois Tollway, Effective January 1

Effective January 1, 2015, it will cost 40% more for trucks to drive on the Illinois Tollway.

In addition, over the next two years, the rate will go up another 20%: 10% in 2016 and an additional 10% in 2017.  By 2018, the toll rates will be linked to the Consumer Price Index.

The Illinois Tollway authority says the first increase for trucks since 2005.

“Move Illinois will benefit truck drivers and the commercial trucking industry by improving our roadways and enhancing reliability and on-time delivery of freight and product shipments,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Kristi Lafleur. “The Tollway’s capital program will ensure that our roads will safely accommodate more trucks while relieving congestion, potentially saving the trucking industry millions of dollars in lost time and fuel.”

The Tollway estimates it will cost trucks an average of $.44 per mile in 2015 to drive on the Tollway.

“Toll rates are typically higher for trucks and cars that tow trailers than for cars and motorcycles because their weight causes more damage to roads, ultimately impacting agency maintenance costs. A fully loaded truck weighs up to 80,000 pounds and causes as much damage as 10,000 cars. The average truck travelling on the Illinois Tollway is not always full, resulting in damage that more typically equates to 4,000 cars,” an Illinois Tollway press release states.

The Tollways ays they’re considering a plan to enhance truck parking along the Tollway.

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