Editor’s note: The video in the player above is from a previous report.
In a holiday treat for many commuters in the Chicago area, it looks like lanes on the Kennedy Expressway will reopen sooner than expected as the first phase of construction concludes. However, there is a period of time before the second phase begins, meaning the relief for commuters will not be for just a few days.
Illinois Department of Transportation spokeswoman Maria Castaneda said IDOT is working to complete the first phase of the department’s Kennedy Rehabilitation Project, a long-term $150 million project that has been impacting the highway since March. It is said that the deadline will be “late autumn”.
The construction has increased traffic delays and congestion, with much of the pain being felt by drivers heading downtown from Chicago’s O’Hare Airport and the northern and northwest suburbs. But downbound drivers are also feeling the pain. The reason for this is that the reversible lanes (commonly known as “express lanes”) are only open in the upward direction, causing severe traffic congestion during the day and night commutes.
Castaneda said in a new update that the upbound Kennedy and Eden Expressways will be “fully reopened” and express lanes will return to normal by Sunday morning, weather permitting.
But first there are some changes.
According to IDOT, you can expect:
Saturday, December 9th
- Starting at 9 p.m., the Kennedy Inbound line will be reduced to one lane from north of Edens Junction to Irving Park Road.
- At the same time, the reversible express lane entrance on Montrose Avenue (Kennedy and Edens) will also be closed.
- All ramps between Lawrence Avenue and Irving Park Road will be closed intermittently starting at 8 p.m. toward Kennedy.
- At the same time, the inbound Edens Ramp, Wilson Avenue (exit) and Elston Avenue (entrance) will be closed.
Sunday, December 10th
By 8 a.m. Sunday, the Kennedy and Eden Expressway inbound lines, lanes and ramps will fully reopen, and reversible express lanes will resume normal service.
“Work and schedules are highly dependent on the weather,” Castaneda said. “If Saturday night work is canceled or not fully completed due to weather, it will be rescheduled to the first available night that conditions permit. Details, schedules and traffic impacts will be updated and It will be shared with the public”. ”
When does “Phase 2” start and what does it include?
The second phase of the project will see express lane closures in both directions to accommodate repairs to the REVLAC system and bridge structures, as well as pavement patching.
In addition, lane closures on the main line will also be required. Painting and installation of new LED lighting in both directions of Hubbard Cave between Ohio Street and Lake Street..
Construction on the second phase is expected to begin in spring 2024 or next year “weather permitting,” Castaneda said. Completion is scheduled for fall 2024.
The overall effort will continue through 2025, including closing portions of the downbound Kennedy Line in Phase 3.
