DES PLAINES, IL — Three Illinois Tollway workers were hit while working on southbound Interstate 294 near Devon Avenue early Saturday, and one of them later died, state police said. The crash happened just before 4:30 a.m. as the crew was repairing potholes on the north suburban roadway. All three workers were taken to local hospitals after the collision. The Illinois State Police said the lane closure at Golf Road was lifted after the roadway reopened.
Worker Identified by Officials
The worker who died was identified by the Cook County medical examiner as 52-year-old Calvin L. Holley of Chicago. State police said he was among the maintenance workers struck at the scene. The other two injured workers were also hospitalized, but officials did not immediately release more details about their conditions. The crash occurred on a busy stretch of the Tri-State Tollway in Des Plaines, where crews often perform overnight or early-morning maintenance to limit traffic disruption.
Tollway Leaders Respond
Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse said the agency was devastated by the loss of a roadway maintenance worker who had been with the Tollway for two years. In her statement, she said Holley was a respected member of the team and was working on front-line duties that help keep the roadway safe and assist stranded drivers. She also said the loss underscores how often roadway workers are put in danger when motorists do not follow the Move Over Law.
Governor Urges Slower Driving
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker also reacted to the crash, calling it heartbreaking and asking people to pray for the injured workers. He urged drivers to slow down and help protect roadway crews. The statements from state and Tollway officials came as reminders that maintenance workers are regularly exposed to traffic while carrying out repairs. In this case, the workers were on the shoulder or travel area fixing potholes when the crash happened, according to state police.
Roadway Safety Remains Focus
The fatal crash briefly shut down all lanes of I-294 at Golf Road before traffic resumed. While investigators have not publicly detailed what led to the collision, officials emphasized the need for drivers to move over safely and reduce speed near flashing lights. The Tollway said its staff members work across a 294-mile roadway system, often in conditions that place them close to moving vehicles. The agency said it is offering support to Holley’s family and coworkers after the fatal incident.
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