Tri-State Tollway pothole damages over 30 cars, northbound lanes reopen after emergency repairs
All northbound lanes of I-294 have reopened hours after a huge pothole damaged at least 30 cars and necessitated emergency repairs.
SkyWatch was over the scene on the Tri-State Tollway at 83rd and saw a large rectangular pothole about the width of an entire lane that crews were addressing to repair.
Reports of cars being damaged began just before 9 a.m. Monday. SkyWatch saw at least nine cars along the side of the road with various types of damage, including flat tires. Crews were preparing to tow some of the cars.
Illinois State Police said the pothole is 8 feet by 3 feet, and damaged more than 30 cars Monday morning. The majority had tires blown out.
Tollway officials said the pothole was caused when the heat caused the pavement to buckle and crack.
Two lanes of the tollway were closed for hours for the repairs. All lanes reopened as of 3:15 p.m.
