Illinois Tollway

Streetscapes & Transporation

Tollway

Project Overview
In celebration of Arbor Day 2018, the Illinois Tollway launched an ambitious sustainability initiative to plant 58,000 trees along Illinois highways within three years. The Tree Planting Master Plan was developed to restore native landscapes, reduce environmental impacts, and enhance the safety and visual quality of the state’s transportation corridors.
Upland Design’s Role
Upland Design Ltd. served as a key implementation partner, acting as Resident Engineer under two Construction Management contracts along the I-90 corridor. Upland’s team provided on-the-ground leadership throughout installation and establishment, overseeing tree placement, plant material quality, and field coordination to ensure long-term success.
Responsibilities included detailed inspection of plant materials, evaluation of site-specific conditions, and real-time field adjustments to align planting locations with safety requirements, ecological performance, and Tollway sustainability goals. Upland’s horticultural expertise and staff arborist were instrumental in translating planning goals into durable, living infrastructure.
Environmental Impact
This large-scale planting effort delivers measurable environmental and operational benefits, including improved soil stability, reduced erosion, enhanced stormwater filtration, wind and snow control along roadways, expanded habitat and biodiversity, and a more attractive experience for travelers across Illinois.
Lasting Value
The Illinois Tollway Tree Planting Master Plan demonstrates how ecological design can be successfully integrated into transportation infrastructure. Through hands-on field leadership and technical expertise, Upland Design helped ensure the Tollway’s green vision became a lasting environmental asset for communities across the state.