Travelers who frequently use the Kennedy Expressway should brace themselves for traffic disruptions starting next month. The Addison Street bridge over the Kennedy Expressway is set to undergo repairs beginning May 12, necessitating a lane reduction to a single lane in each direction, as reported by CBS Chicago. This lane closure is part of a $1.2 million project aimed at rehabilitating the bridge, including work on the bridge deck, replacement of expansion joints, and construction of new ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps.
The renovation work will also lead to changes in traffic patterns, with multiple lane shifts expected on the bridge itself throughout the construction phase. According to WGN-TV, turns from eastbound Addison Street onto the outbound Kennedy ramp will be restricted to right turns only, and no trucks will be allowed to use the inbound Kennedy ramp to Addison. These restrictions are intended to alleviate some of the chaos that the construction work is likely to create.
To ease the disruption for public transit users, the nearby CTA Blue Line stop at Addison will remain open throughout the construction. The Illinois Department of Transportation has indicated that drivers should follow posted detours and be prepared for the changes to traffic flow near the construction site. Pedestrians will also face detours, with the first phase of construction diverting foot traffic via westbound Addison Street to Lawndale Avenue and back to Addison Street to reach the CTA entrance.
The exact timeline for the completion of this project remains somewhat uncertain. CBS Chicago reported that the work is expected to be wrapped up by September, offering a semblance of a light at the end of the tunnel for affected commuters. Meanwhile, WGN-TV noted that the duration of the project is unknown, indicating the possibility of unforeseen delays. The public is advised to stay informed on the progress of the construction and to plan their commutes accordingly.
