Stevenson Expressway

Infobox_road
highway_name = Stevenson Expressway
marker_

alternate_name =
length_mi = 17.95
length_round = 2
length_ref = cite web |author=Illinois Technology Transfer Center |url=http://www.dot.state.il.us/gist2/select.html |title=T2 GIS Data |accessdate=2007-11-08 |year=2006]
direction = East-west
starting_terminus =
ending_terminus = County Line Road in Burr Ridge, Illinois
cities = Chicago, Illinois
established = Mid to late 1960s
system = Interstate Highway system
Illinois Tollway system
The Stevenson Expressway is the major Interstate freeway leading southwest out of the city of Chicago in Illinois. It is signed as Interstate 55 for the entire length.

The eastern terminus of the Stevenson Expressway is located at U.S. Highway 41 (Lake Shore Drive). According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, its western terminus is located at the DuPage County line in Burr Ridge. This is a distance of convert|17.95|mi|km|2.

History

The expressway opened on October 24, 1964 as the Southwest Expressway. It was renamed after Adlai E. Stevenson II, [ [http://www.chipublib.org/004chicago/timeline/stevensonx.html Renamed Adlai E. Stevenson Expressway] ] the former governor of Illinois, on September 1, 1965 a month and a half after his death. The Stevenson's original termini were U.S. Highway 66 in DuPage County to the west, and the Dan Ryan Expressway to the east.

In 1999–2000, the expressway was completely rebuilt from Central Avenue north to Lake Shore Drive, including the ramps to the Dan Ryan. IDOT was criticized at the time for not adding a fourth lane in each direction to the highway. [Hilkevitch, John. [http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-0603260419mar26,1,7032775.story?coll=chi-news-hed Buckle up, it looks like a long ride.] "Chicago Tribune". Published March 26, 2006. Retrieved March 26, 2006.]

Emergency Traffic Patrol (IDOT Minutemen)

All portions of the Stevenson Expressway between Lake Shore Drive/US 41 and County Line Road (exit 276A) are patrolled by the Illinois State Police and the IDOT Emergency Traffic Patrol (IDOT ETP "Minutemen"). The ETP patrol 24/7/365 and can be recognized by their large bright yellow-green wreckers and orange jumpsuits. They can be reached at *999 via cellphone and respond to all manner of expressway incidents that you may be involved in from flat tires and no gas to major crashes. They are direct state employees and all of their services are free of charge (gasoline nominal mail-in charge). If your vehicle is disabled, attempt to pull immediately to the shoulder, place your hazard lights on and STAY IN YOUR VEHICLE until ETP arrival! If your vehicle stalls in a live lane of traffic and you are unable to coast to the shoulder, immediately place your hazard lights on, dial 911 (especially if traffic is moving at high speeds) and *999 if you have a cell phone and inform the operator that you are stalled in an interstate traffic lane; and brace for a possible high-speed rear end collision, but remain in your vehicle! An ETP vehicle wil arrive within twenty minutes (much sooner if you are in a lane). Never walk on or cross the Stevenson Expressway on foot! Also, never accept unsolicited help from a private towing company. These companies often attempt to illegally prey on vulnerable motorists and charge exorbitant rates. If you have a motor club, call them. But DO allow the ETP driver to fix your issue or relocate your vehicle to a safe spot off the interstate. The ETP and/or state trooper can provide you with a list of reputable towing companies.

References

External links

* [http://www.chipublib.org/004chicago/timeline/stevensonx.html Chicago Public Library: Timeline]
* [http://www.gcmtravelstats.com/Default.aspx?selLinks1=64 Historic, Current & Average Travel Times For The Stevenson Expressway]