Tollway worker killed in tragic I-294 crash during pothole repairs

A tragic crash on I-294 in Des Plaines, Illinois, has left one tollway worker dead and two others injured. The incident occurred early Saturday morning while the crew was repairing potholes in the southbound lanes. Authorities have since reopened the road after a full closure for investigations. The three workers were struck by a vehicle near milepost 41.5 around dawn. Calvin Holley, a 52-year-old equipment operator and labourer, died at the scene. He had worked for the Illinois Tollway for two years. The conditions of the other two injured workers remain unknown.

The driver involved stayed at the scene after the collision. Police shut down all southbound lanes and diverted traffic at Golf Road for several hours. By Saturday afternoon, the lanes had fully reopened.

This crash follows a concerning trend in work zone and Scott’s Law violations. The Illinois State Police (ISP) recorded nine Scott’s Law-related crashes in 2026, while the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) reported eight work zone crashes this year alone. Scott’s Law requires drivers to move over one lane or slow down when passing stopped vehicles with flashing lights.

The Illinois Tollway Board and staff expressed deep sorrow over Holley’s death. They urged drivers to obey speed limits and change lanes safely when approaching any vehicle with flashing lights on the road. The fatal crash highlights ongoing risks for road workers despite safety regulations. Investigations into the incident continue, while authorities reiterate the importance of caution near work zones. Drivers are reminded to follow Scott’s Law to prevent further tragedies.