The Tollway says the termination costs are included in the I-90 project's $2.2 billion budget. Based on recent collections, the Tollway said it expects to recover the amount in concession revenues from the seven oases sites within four years.
Closure of the oasis building and utility work will begin in April, with removal of the over-the-road structure anticipated in June 2014. The two adjoining fuel stations and convenience stores operated by 7-Eleven will remain open to provide services for both eastbound and westbound travelers along I-90.
"The removal of the Des Plaines Oasis is bittersweet to those of us who have visited there and consider the Tollway oases to be an important part of our agency's history," said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Kristi Lafleur.
Removing the oasis will allow for a fourth lane to be built in each direction from O'Hare International Airport to Elgin. The Tollway said the removal of the Des Plaines Oasis is also necessary as the Tollway proceeds with construction of the Elgin O'Hare Western Access Project.
The Jane Addams project includes reconstructing and widening 62 miles of I-90 between Rockford and O'Hare.
The Tollway said I-90 serves nearly 1 million travelers per day, but much of its infrastructure is more than 50 years old and the pavement is nearing the end of its useful life.
The I-90 Rebuilding and Widening Project will create eight lanes of traffic from the Kennedy Expressway to Randall Road and six lanes from Randall Road to I-39. When completed, the project is expected to save drivers up to 27 minutes on a trip from Elgin to the Kennedy.
