7 million expected on Illinois Tollways this Memorial Day weekend
According to the Ilinois Tollway Authority, Illinois can expect approximately 7,000,000 vehicles on the state's tollway system this holiday weekend. According to the Tollway, the holiday begins today, May 27 and goes through May 31.
Heaviest travel on Illinois tollways is expected today with nearly 1.7 millions vehicles. Daily average of vehicles on the tollway system is 1.4 million.
The Illinois Tollway, Illinois Deparment of Transportation, Illinois State Police, Illinois Secretary of State and AAA Chicago are sponsors of a campaign encouraging drivers not to text and drive. The campaign "Drive Now, Text Later," is intended to raise awareness with drivers of the dangers of texting while behind the wheel. They are hoping that the campaign will ultimately lead to a reduction in the number of cell phone related accidents.
According to Illinois authorities, cell phones were the primary or secondary cause of more than 1,100 accidents in 2010. This was a decrease in cell phone related accidents compared to 2009 when there were 1,300 accidents..
The Illinois Tollway will be removing all temporary lane closures beginning at 12pm on Friday through 9 am on Tuesday. Work will continued behind barriers to keep construction on schedule but this should have no effect traffic.
Have a great holiday weekend. Let's be safe out there!
