SCHAUMBURG, IL -- On October 15, weather permitting, motorists in the northwest suburbs will have an easier commute during the morning rush period when all lanes on I-290 / IL 53 open two weeks ahead of schedule.

By 5:00 AM on Tuesday, I-290 / IL 53 will return to four lanes in each direction from Higgins Road (IL 72) to Thorndale Avenue near the communities of Schaumburg, Elk Grove, and Itasca. All lanes were to open on October 31.

The $7.9 million advance work involved the removal of the grassy median, drainage improvements, and the placement of temporary pavement for use during next year’s major construction activities.

Work will continue, however, to widen the southbound I-290 / IL 53 bridge over IL 72. Traffic on Higgins Road may experience lane closures through the end of November to complete the job.

During 2003, I-290 / IL 53 will be completely reconstructed with the addition of new auxiliary lanes in each direction located between the on and off ramps from IL 72 to Biesterfield Road and from Biesterfield Road to Thorndale Avenue. These auxiliary lanes will help mitigate congestion by facilitating vehicles entering and exiting the expressway.

The contract for mainline reconstruction will be let later this fall.

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