A large pothole measuring about 8 feet long and 3 feet wide suddenly opened on northbound I-294 near 83rd Street. This caused damage to approximately 15 vehicles and left nearly 30 cars stranded with flat tires on the shoulder.
The pothole formed due to extreme heat causing the pavement to buckle and break apart. In response, crews closed two left lanes for several hours to make emergency repairs. All lanes reopened by early evening.
If your car was damaged by this pothole, it’s important to:
Take photos of the pothole and your vehicle’s damage File a police report with Illinois State Police or local authorities Obtain repair estimates or receipts Submit a claim with the Illinois Tollway or Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)
Claims can take up to 120 days to process and are not guaranteed. Drivers are encouraged to stay cautious during hot weather when pavement damage is more likely and to report any large potholes to road authorities.
