The Illinois Tollway maintenance worker who was struck and killed while doing pothole repairs on I-294 on Saturday morning was identified by authorities.
Calvin L. Holley, a 52-year-old man from Chicago, was identified as the worker who was killed around 4:26 a.m. when he was struck near milepost 41.5 on Interstate 294 in suburban Des Plaines, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner.
Two other maintenance workers were also struck and were hospitalized with injuries.
The crash and subsequent investigation caused all southbound lanes to be shut down between Dempster Street and Touhy Avenue until roughly 11:30 a.m.
Illinois Tollway said Holley, who had worked for the organization as an equipment operator and laborer for two years, was a “respected and valued member of the Tollway.”
“Our equipment operator/laborers work on the front line of our 294-mile roadway system, performing duties that included maintaining safe roadway conditions and assisting drivers who were stranded or needed help. He was carrying out these duties when he tragically lost his life on the Tri-State Tollway (I-294),” Illinois Tollway said. “Roadway workers, police officers and everyday motorists are too often hurt, injured or worse because drivers are not following the Move Over Law. The Tollway reminds everyone to slow down and change lanes safely when approaching any vehicle with flashing lights on the road.”
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker made a statement about the incident on social media.
“Heartbreaking news this morning as three tollway workers were struck in Des Plaines while working,” Pritzker said in a post on social media. “May their memory be a blessing, and may we come together to pray for the injured. Remember to slow down and keep our workers safe.”
