The long-awaited final phase of rehabilitation work on the Kennedy Expressway is poised to bring gridlock to the Chicago area, as major construction resumes and lane closures kick in. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), starting Monday at 9 p.m., crews will begin setting up safety zones heralding the onset of the project's last stage. This phase encompasses repairing 19 bridge structures, patching up pavement, installing new overhead signs, and upgrading LED lighting, particularly targeting the expressway's outbound lanes.
Travelers experienced a brief respite Sunday night. However, that calm is anticipated to dissipate with "the gridlock storm" anticipated to develop over the next months. IDOT plans to keep at least two outbound lanes open throughout the construction to mitigate some of the expected delays. NBC Chicago reported that the reversible express lanes have just been reopened but with a caveat; they will not facilitate exits directly to O’Hare International Airport during the duration of phase three.
With the first official shutdowns affecting rush hour on Tuesday morning, IDOT officials have signaled that two left lanes from Division Street to Kostner Avenue will be closed until mid-July. After that, closures will extend from the Division to the project area's northern terminus. In a statement obtained by CBS News, "I can't be mad at that," expressed local driver Ivan Vega, who faced car damages due to potholes, aligning with the sentiment that while the construction will be a hassle, the outcome will benefit motorists.
The traffic disruptions will not just impact personal travel; they bear significant consequence for those driving for a living. "Of course I'm going to lose more," bemoaned livery cab driver Muhammed Masood in a CBS News interview, emphasizing the project’s impact on both time and earnings. Furthermore, IDOT encourages the public to seek alternative routes or consider public transit options like the Blue Line, which might offer some respite for those needing to navigate their way through the city as the project progresses. The construction is slated for completion by Thanksgiving 2025, provided there are no further setbacks.
For the most current information regarding closures and construction updates, IDOT has committed to regular updates on its website. As Chicagoans brace for the forthcoming traffic disruptions, the long-term benefits of a rejuvenated Kennedy Expressway loom on the horizon, promising smoother and safer commutes in the future.
