Illinois Tollway posts slightly stronger‑than‑forecast 2025 results; revenue and capital timing discussed

Kathy Williams, the Tollway’s chief financial officer, presented preliminary unaudited 2025 year‑to‑date financial results to the Finance & Audit Committee on March 19.

Williams said total year‑to‑date revenue was $1,753,000,000, approximately $15,000,000 above the October forecast (about 0.9% favorable) driven primarily by toll revenue and higher investment income. "Year to date revenue, $1,753,000,000, $15,000,000 above forecast," Williams said.

Operating expenditures were approximately $471,000,000 and about $29,000,000 below forecast, with drivers including lower payroll costs (timing of hiring and a lower retirement contribution rate than budgeted), lower contractual services and lower reserves for some insurance programs. Williams noted capital expenditures for Move Illinois were about $1,017,000,000—slightly below forecast—and attributed variances largely to timing of system‑wide improvements, pavement and bridge repairs and some technology projects shifting into 2026.

She highlighted vehicle revenue splits: commercial vehicle revenue year‑to‑date was about $783,000,000 (5.5% growth vs. 2024) and passenger vehicle revenue was about $711,000,000 (roughly 2% growth vs. 2024). Transactions year‑to‑date were reported near 1,034,000,000 and both vehicle classes showed year‑over‑year increases.

Directors asked clarifying questions about specific drivers—payroll timing, insurance reserve adjustments and capital timing—and Williams said the deviations reflect timing and actuarial reserve updates rather than structural changes to the budget. The committee received the presentation and adjourned; no committee vote was required on the information presented.