Southbound traffic on the Bishop Ford Freeway ground to a halt Thursday after a reported shooting near State Street shut down all lanes, sending South Side drivers scrambling for alternate routes while troopers combed the pavement for evidence.
Illinois State Police and highway crews converged on the scene as vehicles were pushed off the interstate and onto nearby interchanges during the investigation, turning the stretch of I‑94 into an impromptu crime scene instead of a commuter pipeline.
According to ABC7 Chicago, the shooting occurred on the southbound Bishop Ford near State Street, prompting Illinois State Police to close every southbound lane. The outlet reported that traffic was being diverted onto I‑57 while investigators walked the roadway, searched for shell casings and other evidence, and worked to reopen the freeway.
Traffic detours and delays
Drivers quickly found themselves trapped in heavy backups as crews funneled southbound vehicles onto the I‑57 connector and nearby surface streets. For commuters trying to reach the city or connect to other expressways, it was the kind of headache that can turn a short drive into a slow crawl.
The Bishop Ford is already in the early stages of a major rehabilitation project this spring, and transportation officials have warned that any incident is likely to hit harder than usual. Construction can amplify the ripple effects of closures and stretch detours far beyond the immediate crash scene, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.
State police lead probe
Illinois State Police troopers led the on‑scene investigation and had not immediately released information about possible victims or suspects, ABC7 Chicago reported. The outlet noted that anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact state police as the investigation continues.
Where this fits
Expressway shootings have periodically shut down portions of I‑94 and other Chicago‑area interstates in recent years, even as Illinois State Police say overall interstate shootings have fallen in statewide counts. A January release from the agency reported a decline in interstate shootings in 2025, according to the Illinois State Police.
Local media have also tracked other violent incidents on the Bishop Ford this spring, including an April shooting that sent two people to the hospital, according to CBS Chicago.
On Thursday, officials urged drivers to build in extra travel time and avoid the Bishop Ford near State Street while troopers worked the scene. Authorities said additional details would be released when available and again asked anyone with tips to reach out through official state police channels.
