Commuters in Chicago will have a smoother drive starting Monday morning, as the express lanes along the Kennedy Expressway are officially back in business, having been shut for extensive construction. According to FOX 32 Chicago, the reopening of these lanes is expected to alleviate some traffic congestion, offering relief ahead of the busy morning rush.
The lanes were initially projected to be ready by the end of 2024 but saw an unexpected delay due to the intricate demands of integrating a sophisticated traffic system, named the Reversible Lane Access Control (REVLAC). Weather permitting, IDOT aimed to roll out a full test run for the new system on January 2nd, before finally opening the lanes to the public. Amidst the ongoing works that are stretching into the coming weeks, with occasional lane closures anticipated, IDOT urges all to heed the guidance of signs and flaggers in construction zones.
In a statement obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times, it was noted that Chicago shares the title with New York City for the second-worst traffic in the world. The recent Inrix study further highlighted the increase in traffic woes, correlating the uptick directly to the ongoing works on the expressway.
This phase of the Kennedy Expressway's development features a comprehensive overhaul with the installation of 120 gates along 7.5 miles of reversible lanes— the first significant upgrade since 1996. The project encompasses bridge and pavement rehabilitation, as well as the improvement of overhead signs, with construction efforts extending intricately toward the outbound lanes later this spring.
The extended reach of the Kennedy rehabilitation endeavors, as narrated by FOX 32 Chicago, staying within its $150 million budget, is on schedule for full completion by the end of 2025.
