The city of Chicago is mourning the tragic and sudden loss of Calvin L. Holley, 52, a dedicated Illinois Tollway maintenance worker who was killed early Saturday morning while performing roadway repairs on Interstate 294 in Des Plaines.
According to authorities, the crash occurred at approximately 4:26 a.m. near milepost 41.5 on the southbound lanes of I-294. Holley was part of a Tollway maintenance crew conducting pothole repair work when he was struck in the work zone. Two additional Tollway workers were also hit during the incident and were transported to a nearby hospital with injuries. Their current conditions have not been publicly released.
Holley was identified by the Cook County Medical Examiner as a Chicago resident who had been employed with the Illinois Tollway for two years, working as an equipment operator and laborer. Officials said he was performing essential roadside duties at the time of the crash, part of the daily responsibilities assigned to crews who maintain and repair one of the state’s busiest highway systems.
Following the incident, all southbound lanes of I-294 were shut down between Dempster Street and Touhy Avenue for several hours as emergency responders worked the scene, provided medical aid, and conducted an initial investigation. Traffic was diverted while authorities documented evidence and cleared the roadway. The interstate reopened later that morning at approximately 11:30 a.m.
The Illinois Tollway confirmed Holley’s death in an official statement, describing him as a “respected and valued member” of the organization. The agency emphasized that he was carrying out his duties in service to public safety when the tragedy occurred. Fellow coworkers have since expressed shock and grief over the sudden loss, remembering him as a hardworking and dependable member of the maintenance team.
Officials also used the incident to reiterate the importance of Illinois’ Move Over Law, which requires drivers to slow down and change lanes when approaching vehicles with flashing lights on the roadside. The Tollway stressed that roadway workers, emergency responders, and motorists are frequently placed in danger when drivers fail to follow these rules.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker also responded, calling the news “heartbreaking” and urging the public to keep the injured workers and Holley’s family in their thoughts and prayers.
