Buckle up and brace yourself for a whole lot of traffic: The second phase of the $150 million Kennedy construction project kicks off tonight.
What to Expect in the Second Phase
The Illinois Department of Transportation will work on the reversible express lanes from the Edens Expressway junction to Ohio Street through the fall after rehabbing inbound lanes last year. Construction can start earlier than expected thanks to the warm weather.
The work includes rehabbing bridges, fixing pavement, and installing new signage.
How Chicago Drivers Will Be Affected This Week
Temporary ramp and lane closures will begin at 9 p.m. and are set to open at 5 a.m. the next day, pending good weather, according to IDOT.
- Monday: Express lanes will close until fall. The inbound Kennedy from the Edens junction to Irving Park Road will go down to one lane. Inbound ramps at Wilson, Montrose, and Irving Park will close overnight.
- Tuesday: The outbound Kennedy will go down to two lanes between North and Fullerton avenues. Those outbound ramps will be closed, too.
- Wednesday: Expect single lanes on the inbound Kennedy between Milwaukee and Lake and outbound between Madison and Milwaukee.
- Thursday: Between North and Fullerton, the outbound Kennedy will be reduced to a single lane. Outbound ramps will be closed.
Additionally, the cleaning and painting at Hubbard’s Cave will close lanes inbound between Chicago and Lake and outbound from the Jane Byrne Interchange to Grand. The Randolph Street ramp to the outbound Kennedy will also close until fall.
Officials are encouraging drivers to seek alternative routes or use public transportation.
Map of completed and planned Kennedy construction. (Illinois Department of Transportation)
And There’s a Third Phase Next Year
The three-year project will conclude in fall 2025, when construction on the outbound lanes is complete.
One good thing about sitting in traffic? At least you can catch up on the latest City Cast Chicago episodes 🤓
