Illinois Tollway

Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse and Board Director Scott Paddock were pleased to welcome the team of leaders, advocates and partners who comprise our Stakeholder Advisory Team for their third meeting. The team continued to identify potential priorities and considerations for the agency’s next capital plan, focusing on the topics of equitable economic development and sustainability. Thank you members for your continued engagement and commitment to the capital planning process! Check out illinoistollway.com/future for the latest updates on our capital planning process.

We're excited to announce that Illinois Tollway has been recognized for Excellence in Customer Service by IBTTA, the world's leading tolling organization! The award recognizes the success of I-PASS Assist, which offers discounts and benefits to make Tollway travel more affordable for low-income residents. We're proud to stand with our community partners and lead the industry with innovation and a commitment to access and equity. For more information: I-PASS Assist - https://lnkd.in/gsEP2FKk IBTTA - https://www.ibtta.org/ Award Information - https://lnkd.in/ga-Ryh5p

Thank you to the esteemed group of elected officials who joined us for a tour of the I-490 Tollway Project, including our innovative runway lighting bridge to help guide commercial jets to safe landings at O’Hare International Airport. Joining us were State Sen. Cristina Castro, State Sen. Laura Murphy, State Rep. Michelle Mussman along with staff from the office of State Rep. Jennifer Sanalitro and Village of Franklin Park Mayor Barrett Pedersen. We appreciate all the support in driving this vital project forward to improve mobility, safety and economic growth for communities throughout the region. Together, we are building the future of transportation in Illinois! Read more here https://bit.ly/3XwS79m Learn more about our runway lighting bridge https://bit.ly/49abV62

Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse kicked off the #ITSMW24 Conference and Expo in Rosemont, welcoming attendees and introducing keynote speaker Valerie Briggs, director of Federal Highway Administration Office of Transportation. The annual ITS Midwest conference brings together ITS professionals from four states - Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky - to share successes, best practices and lessons learned. This year's theme, "Stronger Together - ITS for All" - encourages collaboration, education and networking to achieve safe, efficient and sustainable transportation solutions for the region.

Drivers hitting the road during the Labor Day weekend can get assistance 24/7 on Illinois Tollway by dialing *999. Our motorist aid patrols help stranded customers by changing tires, jump-starting dead batteries, adding coolant or calling for a tow truck. Stay safe while waiting for help by staying with your vehicle—walking along the road to try to reach an exit is dangerous. Read more https://bit.ly/3MndeVh

Thank you Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce for inviting the Illinois Tollway to be part of your annual convention! Illinois Tollway Acting Chief of the Department of Diversity and Strategic Development Marlene Vick, Chief of Procurement Peter Foernssler and Diversity staff engaged with a broad range of promising entrepreneurs and small business operators during the matchmaking and networking sessions. We appreciate the opportunity for potential collaborations ahead and remain dedicated to supporting the growth and success of small, diverse and veteran businesses. #getdowntobusiness

Selected for the prestigious Edgar Fellows Program, Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse joined other public policy leaders from across Illinois who gathered this week to find ways they can work together to address major challenges facing the state, including climate change, artificial intelligence and workforce development. The initiative created by former Governor Jim Edgar brings together leaders of diverse backgrounds from different fields—including from government, labor organizations, non-profit groups and the business sector—to build relationships that will help them work toward long-term solutions to critical issues facing Illinois residents.

The Illinois Tollway new Job Order Contracting (JOC) initiative is a game-changer for small businesses! We were thrilled to host a networking event to introduce our new Small Business Initiative JOC for General Construction, connecting nearly 50 representatives from local small businesses with the general contractor and informing them of all the resources available to help them grow and succeed. This unique contracting initiative is designed to empower small businesses by providing them greater opportunities to work on Tollway facility maintenance, repair and general construction projects. Read more https://lnkd.in/gQgejPfS

Two big milestones in one day! First, we celebrated the awarding of the construction contract for the Chicago Transit Authority Red Line Extension Project on the Far South Side of Chicago. Second, I'm all smiles signing the Equity in Infrastructure Project (EIP) pledge on behalf of the Illinois Tollway. This work is truly transformative. It makes me so proud to see our community partners and industry colleagues working together ?? This underscores our long-held commitments to improve #access and #economic opportunity for all segments of our community! #transportation #infrastructure #equity Dorval R. Carter, Jr. John D. Porcari Melinda Metzger Omer Osman

Thank you to Tuskegee NEXT Foundation for recognizing Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse with the Trailblazer Award for her pioneering achievements and dedication to breaking barriers in the transportation industry. Cassaundra’s leadership exemplifies the values of diversity and inclusion, investing in future leaders and making a positive impact in the local community, setting a powerful example for others to follow. We appreciate Tuskegee Next for honoring her contributions and inspiring the next generation of leaders in the tradition of the celebrated Tuskegee Airmen. #TuskegeeNEXT #RedTailBall #Leadership #Legacy #Trailblazers