Early Sunday on Chicago's West Side, a pedestrian was critically hurt after being struck in the outbound lanes of the I-290 Eisenhower Expressway near Independence Boulevard, a crash that effectively froze traffic on the Ike during the pre-dawn hours. Emergency crews shut down the outbound side as troopers, medics, and tow operators worked the scene, which stayed active well into the morning commute.
What Officials Said
Illinois State Police reported that the pedestrian was allegedly walking on the expressway when they were hit and suffered critical injuries. The outbound lanes of I-290 were closed starting around 4:30 a.m., according to ABC7 Chicago. Authorities have not yet released the pedestrian's identity or explained why the person was on the high-speed roadway in the first place.
Ike Safety And Context
State transportation planning records show that the I-290 corridor, including the Independence Boulevard bridge, has recently been the focus of bridge and safety work aimed at cutting down on crashes and improving crossings, according to IDOT. The Eisenhower has seen serious pedestrian incidents before; a fatal pedestrian strike in October 2024 was detailed in a prior report, fatal October 2024 pedestrian crash, underscoring just how dangerous things get when someone ends up on interstate lanes built for fast-moving traffic. Planners say ongoing reconstruction and targeted safety measures are intended to address those vulnerabilities along the corridor.
Investigation And Traffic
Illinois State Police have not released additional details about Sunday's collision, and no further information was available in the morning bulletin, according to ABC7 Chicago. Drivers moving through the West Side faced detours and slowdowns as troopers investigated and crews worked to clear the Eisenhower for outbound traffic.
