Interstate 290 (Illinois)

Interstate 290 (I-290), also known as the Eisenhower Expressway (or simply "the Ike"), is an east–west auxiliary Interstate Highway in northeastern Illinois. It is a major commuter route, providing access from the western suburbs to downtown Chicago.

I-290 runs from I-88 in Hillside eastward to I-90/I-94 (the Kennedy Expressway/Dan Ryan Expressway) in downtown Chicago. The expressway passes through numerous western suburbs, including Elmhurst, Oak Park, and Maywood.

The Eisenhower Expressway is notable for being one of the first freeways built in a major urban area. Construction began in the 1950s, and it opened in stages. It was named after President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who championed the Interstate Highway System.

The expressway has undergone several major reconstruction projects over the years to address increasing traffic volume and aging infrastructure. These projects have included widening the roadway, replacing bridges, and improving interchanges. The Jane Byrne Interchange, where I-290 meets I-90/I-94, is one of the busiest and most complex interchanges in the United States.

I-290 is a vital part of the Chicago-area transportation network, carrying hundreds of thousands of vehicles each day. It plays a critical role in connecting the city with its western suburbs and facilitating the movement of goods and services.