hard to find original state-issued c. 1960's original single-sided die cut aluminum illinois tollway sign manufactured by or for the illinois state toll highway authority. the sign contains a reflective surface finished in green and white (discolored from prolonged exposure to the elements). reflective white oversized directional arrow and lettering enclosed within a border in the shape of the letter "i" (for illinois). surface wear consistent with age. the original toll highway authority was established in 1941. after construction of the first toll highways in illinois was delayed by world war ii, the illinois state toll highway commission was established in 1953. the first three toll highways in the chicago area were all planned, constructed, and finally opened in 1958 under the authority of this commission. these first three toll highways are the present day jane addams memorial tollway, the tri-state tollway and the ronald reagan memorial tollway. the first segment to open was the jane addams memorial tollway between devon avenue and elgin on august 20, 1958. the vintage illinois tollway sign measures 24 x 18 inches.