Big changes are coming to Chicagoland’s highways. The Illinois Tollway just unveiled a $26.5 billion construction plan that includes major upgrades to I-88, I-355, I-294, and other key corridors—one of the largest road investment programs in the state's history. 🚧

⛈️ Today’s weather:
Heavy thunderstorms with a high of 85°F. With a 75% chance of precipitation, 72% humidity, and winds at 10 mph. Expect a hot, humid day with storms likely, so keep an umbrella handy.

📺 Chicago is Building a Brand NEW Neighborhood (Crazy Changes Coming): In today’s video, I break down one of the city's biggest redevelopment projects, and how it could reshape Chicago for years to come.

🍴 Check out the Local Gem of the Week, the new “The Foodie’s Guide”, for this week’s best eats. And scroll down for WHAT'S HAPPENIN' IN THE 'BURBS? — your weekend events roundup. 

Let’s dive in!

 —Brandon Blankenship, Founder of Living Chicago Suburbs / Realtor with Keller Williams Premiere Properties

Explore a free outdoor art installation celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. The walkable exhibit features 10 larger-than-life painted silhouette sculptures honoring influential American figures in art, music, theater, and dance.
📍 Location: Cleve Carney Museum of Art / College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn
🗓️ Date & Time: Now through Oct. 18 | Tue–Sat, 11 AM – 5 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🔗 More Info

Celebrate the Fourth of July with a 4-mile community ruck march honoring veterans and America’s 250th birthday. After the walk, the Birthday Bash continues at Judd Kendall VFW with food and family-friendly activities.
📍 Location: Riverwalk Grand Pavilion, behind Judd Kendall VFW, Naperville
🗓️ Date & Time: July 4 | Check-in at 7 AM, Ruck starts at 8 AM
🎟️ Tickets: Starting at $40; kids 12 and under ruck free
🔗 More Info

Celebrate Independence Day with Naperville’s free community fireworks show at Frontier Sports Complex. Guests can watch from a field within the park or from their vehicles, with free admission and parking available.
📍 Location: Frontier Sports Complex, Naperville
🗓️ Date & Time: July 4 | 9:30 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🔗 More Info

NOT ENOUGH? SEE MORE EVENTS FOR THE WHOLE MONTH!→

Nothing in this section is sponsored, I will let you know when it's sponsored

📦 Moving to the Chicago Suburbs or thinking about buying or selling a home?
We’d love to help!
Just send us an email at [email protected] or fill out the form here: https://livinginchicagosuburbs.com/contact/

Driving the news
The Illinois Tollway has released a new $26.5 billion, 15-year capital plan that would fund major highway reconstruction, interchange upgrades, and congestion relief projects across the Chicago region.

Details

Why it matters
Many of the region’s busiest highways are decades old and carry heavy commuter and freight traffic every day.

The upgrades are expected to improve safety, reduce congestion, and support economic growth across Chicagoland.

The big picture
Unlike the previous tollway program, which focused on building new highways, this plan emphasizes modernizing existing infrastructure and preparing the system for future traffic demands.

By the numbers

Between the lines
The plan would be funded in part through proposed toll increases for I-PASS users, a move that is already drawing debate over the cost versus the long-term benefits.

What’s next
The tollway board is expected to consider the funding plan, including proposed toll increases, while engineering and construction begin rolling out over the coming years.

The bottom line
The Illinois Tollway is preparing for one of the largest infrastructure programs in its history, with projects that will affect drivers across the Chicago area for years to come.

Find us on Instagram @LivingChicagoSuburbs where 90,000+ people love the content! ⤵️

The real estate market in the Chicago suburbs (especially Naperville, Elmhurst, Wheaton, and Glen Ellyn) remains active and competitive. Whether you're planning to buy or sell, having the right local expert makes all the difference.

Thinking of selling? I’ll craft a strategic marketing plan and help you price your home to attract serious buyers and get the best return.

Ready to buy? With today’s interest rates and available inventory, now could be the perfect time to make your move. I’ll help you find the right home and navigate every step of the process with confidence.