A semi truck traveling on the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) eastbound in Chicago’s western suburbs became jackknifed and was dangling over an overpass Thursday morning, leading to major traffic impacts for the rush hour commute.
The crash comes amid heavy, widespread fog across the Chicago area, with a dense fog advisory in place, low visibility and officials warning of dangerous driving conditions.
The incident began overnight, the Illinois State Police said, after a truck-tractor semi trailer traveling on I-290 eastbound at St. Charles in Elmhurst when it lost control. The truck then slammed through the temporary concrete barriers and came to a halt on an unfinished portion of the road.
NBC 5 traffic reporter Kye Martin said the truck, hauling thousands of pounds of plastic, crashed in the Illinois Tollway’s work zone, where the interchange is being rebuilt at I-290/I-294/I-88, with work expected to continue through 2027.
“The truck is on the overpass over Electric Avenue in Elmhurst,” Martin said. “It’s a big mess. Heavy delays inbound on the I-290 extension.”
Photos and video from the scene showed the truck’s large tires stuck and dangling under the overpass, with damage to the structure.
As of 7:30 a.m., all lanes of I-290 eastbound remain shutdown at St. Charles, with traffic diverted off St. Charles eastbound.
No injuries were reported, and the scene remains active, ISP said.
