Interstate 290 (Illinois) Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Interstate 290

Dwight D. Eisenhower Expressway

I-290 highlighted in red

Route information

Maintained by IDOT

Length

29.84 mi (48.02 km)

Existed

1955–present

History

Finished in 1972

Major junctions

West end

I-90 / IL 53 in Rolling Meadows

IL 53 in Elk Grove Village
IL 390 in Elk Grove Village
I-355 / US 20 in Itasca
US 20 / IL 64 in Elmhurst
I-294 in Hillside
I-88 / IL 110 (CKC) in Hillside
US 12 / US 20 / US 45 in Hillside

East end

I-90 / I-94 / IL 110 (CKC) in Chicago

Highway system

Auxiliary route of the Interstate Highway System
Main • Auxiliary • Business

Illinois state highway system
Illinois Tollway system

←

I-280

I-294

→

Interstate 290 (I-290) is a special kind of Interstate Highway in Illinois. It runs west from the busy Chicago Loop area. This highway helps people travel across the western suburbs of Chicago.

I-290 is about 29.84 miles (48.02 km) long. It connects many important roads and towns. It serves as a key route for daily commuters and travelers.

About Interstate 290
- What's in a Name?
- Where Does I-290 Go?
Images for kids
See also

About Interstate 290

I-290 is known as an auxiliary Interstate Highway. This means it's a branch or loop off a main Interstate. It helps manage traffic flow around a big city like Chicago. It was first established in 1955 and fully finished in 1972.

What's in a Name?

The part of I-290 from I-294 to its eastern end is officially called the Dwight D. Eisenhower Expressway. Most people just call it "the Ike" or "the Eisenhower." It's named after Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was a U.S. President. He was important in creating the Interstate Highway System.

Before it was named after Eisenhower, this highway was called the Congress Expressway. This name came from a street called Congress Street. The highway follows the path of this old street, especially near its eastern end in the Chicago Loop.

Where Does I-290 Go?

I-290 starts in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. Here, it connects with I-90 and IL-53. It then travels east through several suburbs. These include Elk Grove Village, Itasca, and Elmhurst.

As it gets closer to Chicago, it passes through Hillside. In Hillside, it connects with other major highways. These include I-294, I-88, and US-12. Finally, I-290 ends in the heart of Chicago. Its eastern end meets I-90 and I-94.