Illinois Tollway Worker Calvin L. Holley, 52, Dies After Being Struck During Early Morning Interstate Crash

 The city of Chicago is mourning the sudden and tragic loss of 52-year-old Calvin L. Holley, an Illinois Tollway maintenance worker who was killed early Saturday morning while carrying out critical roadway repair work on Interstate 294 in Des Plaines. The incident has deeply affected colleagues, family members, and the broader transportation community, as officials continue investigating how the work zone crash occurred.

According to authorities, the crash took place 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 performing pothole repairs when he was struck inside an active work zone. Two other Tollway employees were also injured in the same incident and were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment, though officials have not yet released updates on their conditions.

The Cook County Medical Examiner identified Holley as a Chicago resident who had been employed with the Illinois Tollway for two years as an equipment operator and laborer. At the time of the crash, he was performing essential roadway maintenance duties that are part of the ongoing effort to keep one of Illinois’ busiest highways safe for drivers traveling overnight and during early morning hours.

Following the collision, authorities shut down all southbound lanes of I-294 between Dempster Street and Touhy Avenue for several hours. Emergency responders worked at the scene to provide medical assistance, document evidence, and begin reconstructing the sequence of events. Traffic was diverted while investigators examined the work zone, and the roadway eventually reopened later that morning around 11:30 a.m.

The Illinois Tollway released a statement confirming Holley’s death, describing him as a respected and valued member of the organization. Officials emphasized that he was performing his duties in service to public safety when the tragedy occurred. His coworkers have since expressed shock and sadness, remembering him as a dependable, hardworking team member who took pride in his role maintaining critical infrastructure.

The incident has also renewed attention on roadway safety laws, particularly Illinois’ Move Over Law, which requires drivers to slow down and change lanes when approaching vehicles with flashing lights on the roadside. Transportation officials stressed that work zones remain high-risk environments and that compliance with safety laws is essential to protecting both workers and motorists.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker responded to the tragedy, calling it heartbreaking and extending condolences to Holley’s family as well as the injured workers. He urged residents to keep them in their thoughts and emphasized the importance of vigilance and caution when traveling through active work zones across the state.

As the investigation continues, the Chicago area community is reflecting on the loss of a dedicated public servant whose work helped maintain vital roadways for thousands of daily commuters. Calvin L. Holley’s passing serves as a solemn reminder of the risks faced by roadway workers and the importance of safety awareness on every stretch of highway.