Interstate 355, Interstate highway in western Chicago suburbs, Illinois.
Interstate 355 is a highway that runs for about 32 miles from Interstate 80 in New Lenox north to Interstate 290 in Itasca, passing through three counties west of Chicago. The road connects major suburban regions and serves as a vital link between other interstate routes.
The road opened on December 24, 1989, originally called the North-South Tollway to address traffic problems on Illinois Route 53. It was later renamed in honor of military service and continues to serve as an important regional connection.
The road carries the name Veterans Memorial Tollway, honoring military service through its official designation. Travelers see this name on signs throughout the route as a daily recognition of those who served.
The highway has electronic toll collection systems at multiple stations that allow drivers to pay without stopping completely. Travel times vary depending on the time of day, so plan your trip accordingly for smoother passage.
One section features an exceptionally long bridge that crosses the Des Plaines River Valley, carrying traffic over multiple waterways and rail lines in a single span. This engineering solution allows the road to maintain its route without major detours through the landscape.
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