Chicago drivers who have had to deal with weeks of delays due to construction on the Kennedy Expressway could face more headaches starting Monday.
Additional lane closures have been added to the $150 million full renovation of the Kennedy Highway, according to a press release from the Illinois Department of Transportation.
IDOT said there will be additional lane closures starting May 15 at the Diversey Avenue exit of the inbound express lane.
“The Reversible Express Lane exit on Diversey Avenue will be closed for approximately eight weeks to accommodate bridge construction on Diversey Avenue,” IDOT said in a release. “In the meantime, the upbound express lane will remain open, preventing motorists from exiting the lane to Ohio Blvd.”
“Drivers will continue to need to be alert for lane changes, nighttime lane closures and various ramp closures,” the warning continued. “Significant travel delays are expected.”
According to IDOT, construction of the Kennedy Expressway is expected to be completed in the fall of 2023. Although no lane closures are enforced on the outbound, motorists often encounter traffic jams and reversing when driving out of the city due to the reversible express. The lane is only available for arrival drivers.
Where on the Kennedy River is construction taking place?
According to IDOT, the entire project will take over about 11 miles of Kennedy Freeway (Interstate 90/94) from Edens Freeway Junction (Interstate 94) to the Ohio Street exit.
In addition, construction of Hubbard’s Cave from Grand Avenue to Wayman Street (the tunnel beneath where Hubbard Street crosses the Kennedy Expressway) is also planned.
Which lanes are blocked and when?
According to IDOT, the project will be carried out in three phases. The first stage started on March 20th.
Stage 1: Up lane, From Spring 2023 to Fall 2023
The first phase of construction will affect the Kennedy Inbound, “closing two lanes of the main inbound at once.”
The IDOT release states that “motorists should expect lane changes and nighttime lane closures in addition to various ramp closures.”
The agency’s press release further stated that the reversible express lane would remain open in the upbound direction “to minimize impact on traffic.”
During the summer months, the up tunnel under the intersection of Hubbard Street and the Kennedy Highway will also be affected.
“Painting and the installation of new LED lighting will begin at the entrance to Hubbards Cave between Ohio Street and Lake Street later this summer,” IDOT said.
This phase also includes an additional closure at the Diversey exit of the up-express lane.
The first phase of the project is expected to be completed in the fall of 2023, according to officials, when “all lanes and ramps will reopen and express lanes will resume normal operation.”
Stage 2: Express Lanes, Spring 2024 to Fall 2024
IDOT said the second phase of the project will work on reversible express lanes.
The express lane will be closed next year to accommodate the refurbishment of the Reversible Lane Access Control System, known as REVLAC, according to the announcement.
“Additionally, major lane closures will be required to accommodate painting and new LED lighting installations on both sides of Hubbards Cave between Ohio and Lake streets,” IDOT said.
The second phase of the project is expected to begin in the spring of 2024 and be completed in the fall of 2024, officials said.
Stage 3: Outbound Kennedy, Spring 2025 to Late Fall 2025
According to IDOT, the third phase of construction will tackle the down lane of the Kennedy Expressway.
According to the announcement, two main outbound lanes will be closed at once, lane shifts, lane closures at night, and various ramp closures. However, “reversible express lanes will remain open in the downbound direction,” IDOT said.
Additionally, outbound Hubbards Cave construction will continue between Ohio and Lake Street, IDOT said.
The third phase is expected to begin in spring 2025 and be completed in late fall 2025, officials said.
When will the construction be finished?
According to IDOT, the entire project will begin on March 20, 2023, starting with Up Kennedy Lane. According to IDOT, it will be completed in phases and will be fully completed in “late fall 2025.”
“Motors should expect significant delays and allow extra time when traveling through this area,” IDOT said.
The Kennedy Expressway officially opened in November 1960, but the last major renovation project on the highway was completed in 1994, according to IDOT.
