Illinois Tollway officials said the semi's brakes caught fire around 5:55 a.m. Emergency crews tried to contain the fire, but it spread to the trailer, which was carrying refrigerated goods.
The three right lanes of northbound I-294 were temporarily blocked as firefighters extinguished the fire and crews cleared the scene in north suburban Glenview.
Delays extended all the way back to I-90, near O'Hare International Airport.
There were no reports of injuries Thursday morning.