Large Pothole Shuts Two Lanes, Damages 15 Cars on I-294 Tri-State Tollway

A massive pothole roughly eight feet by three feet on northbound I-294 in Cook County has caused significant disruption, damaging around 15 cars and leading to multiple tire blowouts. The pothole forced the closure of the two left lanes near 95th Street and 88th Avenue, with repairs expected to last several hours as crews work urgently to fill the hole. Numerous vehicles were stranded on the shoulders, with some drivers changing tires and others preparing to tow damaged cars. Illinois State Police have been managing the scene, noting that approximately 30 cars were affected by flat tires and lane closures have severely impacted traffic flow. The exact cause of the pothole remains unknown, and updates will be provided as the situation develops. This incident highlights ongoing infrastructure challenges and the immediate safety risks posed to motorists on the Tri-State Tollway.