Here's What We Know So Far. ", Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. TRAFFIC: Check the latest travel times for your Tuesday morning commute. Check the latest travel times with the construction here. Larger thoroughfares leading onto the expressway could be backed up as a result of the construction as well, but exits and on-ramps arent expected to be closed. The final distinct features are the nine exits in two miles (3.2km) between mile markers 50 and 51, and the southbound exit to I-290 and Ida B. According to officials, stage 2 projects are expected to begin in the spring of 2024, and be completed in fall of 2024. All rights reserved, Carry-On Calamity: Airline Reimburses Woman for Prized Sewing Machine Damaged in Flight, Police Reveal What Was Behind Illinois Dust Storm That Led to Fatal I-55 Crash, 8 Years and $793M Later, Jane Byrne Interchange Construction Nearly Complete, Where to Watch 2023 Met Gala Celebrity Arrivals on Monday, I-55 Shut Down in Both Directions Due to Large Crash' Amid Dust Storm in South-Central Illinois, At Least 6 People Killed, 30 Injured in Large Crashes on I-55 in Illinois During Dust Storm, Portillo's Adds New Menu Item to Restaurants Nationwide and It's Now Available, How Much Could You Get in New $725M Facebook Settlement? [2] Until 1978, the Kennedy Expressway was marked as I-94 and Illinois Route 194 (IL194), I-90 and I-190 replaced IL194 and thus the Eisenhower Expressway was renamed from I-90 to I-290. State police say a section of Interstate 55 northbound and southbound will be closed until Tuesday. The third stage of the construction, IDOT says, will address the outbound lanes of the Kennedy Expressway. The impacts will likely be felt across much of the highly-trafficked roadway, but the construction itself is set to take place from the Eden's Expressway junction to Ohio street. [citation needed]. The only decision you CAN make is shifting work away from 9-5. So if they could start a couple hours earlier, they might be able to avoid the worst of the rush hour traffic. However, "the reversible express lanes will remain open in the outbound direction," IDOT says. TRAFFIC: Check the latest travel times for your Tuesday morning commute. JP ORourke lives in Wicker Park but works out of a camera shop in Jefferson Park. ", "Work initially involves setting up the work zone and gradually reducing the 7.5-mile stretch of the inbound Kennedy down to two through lanes," IDOT says. "The reversals will be in the inbound configuration permanently 24/7 for the rest of the year." On my way home from O'Hare on Saturday, I got my first look at the initial phase of the Kennedy Expressway work that will plague commuters as the state rebuilds 7.5 miles of roads and bridges. Steel mesh barriers and breakaway gates prevent traffic from entering oncoming lanes. The last mayor to suffer that indignity was Jane Byrne, Chicagos first and only other female mayor. "Crews will put up barriers starting at the Edens junction moving south to Ohio Street. Traffic delays from a massive Kennedy . But with the possibility that the construction and lane closures could lengthen the duration of the gridlock during peak times, he said his work schedule might have to change again. Portions of the freeway carry I-190, I-90 and I-94. The lanes were reopened about 7:40 a.m. Check the latest travel times with the construction here. As a cinematographer, he said he schedules his job hours around avoiding the worst of morning and evening rush hours. Check the latest travel times with the construction here. Bridges along the expressway will be demolished and replaced over the course of the project, taking around five weeks per bridge, according to IDOT. This left a disconnected portion of each ramp remaining on the expressway, to be removed and the existing "suicide ramps" lengths extended when funding became available. ", According to IDOT's Bureau Chief of Construction Jon Schumacher, the express lanes will will be set to that inbound configuration "permanently, 24/7, for the rest of the year.". IDOT has also suggested commuters exit earlier and use arterial roads for their commutes, though they noted that it may be a process of trial and error. On November 29, 1963, the Chicago City Council voted to rename the Northwest Expressway after President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in Dallas exactly one week earlier. "In addition, mainline lane closures will be needed to accommodate painting and the installation of new LED lighting in both directions of Hubbard's Cave, between Ohio and Lake streets," IDOT says. UGH!!! The 7.5-mile stretch of road will see lane closures both inbound and outbound through 2025 as part of the massive construction project. #petpeeve: asking for a viable 'alternate route' for an Expressway in and out of Downtown. Amancay Kugler drove in on the Kennedy Expressway from the Avondale neighborhood Tuesday morning and noticed her commute downtown took almost twice as long as normal. Beginning April 3, Metra plans to add 12 trains on weekdays to the UP Northwest Line. ", "Work initially involves setting up the work zone and gradually reducing the 7.5-mile stretch of the inbound Kennedy down to two through lanes," IDOT said in a release. While officials say the construction will "increase safety, reduce maintenance costs and improve traffic flow," it's expected to come at a high cost for motorists in the form of traffic, as IDOT warns "major delays are anticipated," "alternative routes are strongly encouraged," and "public transportation and traveling during non-peak hours are recommended if possible.". IDOT has also suggested commuters exit earlier and use arterial roads for their commutes, though they noted that it may be a process of trial and error. Morning commuters: Good luck, and drive safe. However, "to help minimize the impact to traffic, the reversible express lanes will remain open in the inbound direction, and motorists will not be able to exit the express lanes until Armitage Avenue. The John F. Kennedy Expressway is a nearly 18-mile-long (29km) freeway in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Spring 2023 Through Fall 2023: Inbound Lanes, "Two mainline inbound lanes will be closed at a time," IDOT says, with lane shifts, overnight closures and various ramp closures expected. The project, which will be broken down into three stages and includes the rehabbing pavement, express lanes, overhead sign structures, lighting and three dozen bridges, is expected to last through 2025, the Illinois Department of Transportation says. According to the release, next year, the express lanes will be closed to accommodate a rehabilitation of the Reversible Lane Access Control System known as REVLAC. Here's What IDOT Says, Is There a Way Around Massive Construction Project on Kennedy Expressway? 6 intersection in Utica to temporarily convert to a four-way stop Nov. 30. "Later this summer, painting and the installation of new LED lighting will begin on inbound Hubbard's Cave between Ohio and Lake Streets," IDOT says. And, morning commuters: Good luck. Im solo parenting this week. According to the release, next year, the express lanes will be closed to accommodate a rehabilitation of the Reversible Lane Access Control System known as REVLAC. The design of the Kennedy Expressway dates back to the late 1940s and early 1950s. Metra saw a noticeable increase on some trains Tuesday morning, said Mike Gillis, an agency spokesperson. So if they could start a little a couple hours earlier, they might be able to avoid the worst of the rush hour traffic. However, NBC 5 traffic reporter Kye Martin reports that motorists will encounter the new inbound traffic pattern farther north, at Cicero Avenue. So no, she said. Additionally, work on outbound Hubbard's Cave will continue between Ohio and Lake Streets, IDOT says. After NAFTA, new manufacturing plants too often opened where there was the least environmental regulation and outside North America. All rights reserved, massive Kennedy construction project in Chicago, Check the latest travel times for your Tuesday morning commute, Kennedy Expressway rehabilitation construction project, Carry-On Calamity: Airline Reimburses Woman for Prized Sewing Machine Damaged in Flight, Police Reveal What Was Behind Illinois Dust Storm That Led to Fatal I-55 Crash, Pace, Metra Tout Services as Drivers Look for Alternatives Due to Kennedy Expressway Constructio, Where to Watch 2023 Met Gala Celebrity Arrivals on Monday, I-55 Shut Down in Both Directions Due to Large Crash' Amid Dust Storm in South-Central Illinois, At Least 6 People Killed, 30 Injured in Large Crashes on I-55 in Illinois During Dust Storm, Portillo's Adds New Menu Item to Restaurants Nationwide and It's Now Available, How Much Could You Get in New $725M Facebook Settlement? It took a Chicago Sun-Times reporter jumping on the Kennedy at Irving Park at 7:55 a.m. about 20 minutes to reach the Ohio Street exit, a slightly quicker-than-usual commute time. ", The initial steps will be to simply put "the work zone in place. The first section, an extension from Logan Square to Jefferson Park, opened in 1970. "And the first route that you take on Tuesday morning might not be the best one. CHICAGO (CBS)-- A least one person was killed in a crash on the Kennedy Expressway overnight. Getty. Kennedy reconstruction: 3/22/23 UPDATE: Due to expected rain, overnight work tonight has been cancelled. According to the release, two mainline outbound lanes will be closed at a time, with lane shifts, overnight lane closures, and various ramp closures. But according to NBC 5 traffic reporter Kye Martin, viable side routes may take more time than many have. All rights reserved, Kennedy Expressway Lane Closures Start Monday. After the work is completed, traffic will return to staged construction, with one lane in each direction and left turns prohibited at the intersection. Keep trying different alternates and see what works for you based on your travel time and your destination and that should help minimize your impacts.". According to the release, two mainline outbound lanes will be closed at a time, with lane shifts, overnight lane closures, and various ramp closures. In the summer months, the inbound tunnel underneath where Hubbard Street crosses over the Kennedy Expressway will also be impacted. An open house public informational meeting for people to learn more and comment about the proposed road improvements on Illinois 14 from Interstate 57 to Illinois 37 at the Benton Square in Franklin County. "So Tuesday morning, the motoring public is going to two left lanes closed on the inbound. In the summer months, the inbound tunnel underneath where Hubbard Street crosses over the Kennedy Expressway will also be impacted. And public transportation might be an option for others, but it isnt for him, ORourke said, because hes frequently traveling with several pieces of camera equipment. The victim's vehicle was damaged due to the gunfire, but the victim did. The westbound (facing north) ramps at Adams Street and Madison Street, along with the eastbound (facing south) ramps at Randolph Street and Madison Street, were lengthened by removing what remained of abandoned ramps and lengthening the entrance ramps significantly. ", Stage 2: Express Lanes, Spring 2024 Through Fall 2024. Additionally, work on outbound Hubbard's Cave will continue between Ohio and Lake Streets, IDOT says. It's the last of 11 bridges to be revamped in the Jane Byrne Interchange project . According to the release, two mainline outbound lanes will be closed at a time, with. The project, which be broken down into three stages and includes rehabbing pavement, express lanes, overhead sign structures, lighting and three dozen bridges, is expected to last through 2025. The express portion of the freeway was last reconstructed from 1992 through 1994,[3] when the existing express lanes, which previously were reversed by hand, were modernized. The project is anticipated to be completed in summer 2023. Traffic will then be funneled onto the outbound Edens and will not. However, "to help minimize the impact to traffic, the reversible express lanes will remain open in the inbound direction, and motorists will not be able to exit the express lanes until Armitage Avenue. The Illinois Department of Transportation late Monday and into early Tuesday began their massive, $150 million Kennedy Expressway rehabilitation construction project by working to close two inbound lanes on a highly-trafficked, 7.5 mile portion of the highway, stretching as far north as the Lawrence Avenue on the Edens Expressway to Ohio Street in the city. While the density of interchanges is quite dangerous, the hazard is partially offset by the fact that exits are 500 feet (150m) apart on the right hand side, while entrances to the highway were 500 feet (150m) apart, but on the left side. Here's What We Know So Far. During that time, a detour will direct motorists to Cottage Grove Avenue, 87th Street and Stony Island Avenue. . According to IDOT, the entire project will take over approximately seven miles of the Kennedy Expressway (Intestate 90/94), from the Edens Expressway Junction (Interstate 94) to the Ohio Street exit. According to IDOT, "major delays are anticipated" for the duration of the construction. So if some people that are able to work remotely, if that's something that they're able to do, that's also going to help us minimize some of the traffic impacts that we're gonna see.". [8] This was the first wrong-way accident involving the express lanes. News / Apr 5, 2021 / 08:57 AM EDT. None of us at that gathering will ever be the same.. The inbound Kennedy entrance ramps from Cicero, Lawrence, Wilson and Montrose will also be closed. According to police, three people were . Approximately two to three more overnights will be required to complete setting up the work zone. After you've made it safely into work, let us know how your commute into the city was here. 40 intersection, Both lanes of Illinois 161 from Richter School Road to West Hanover Street in New Baden, will be intermittently restricted during daytime hours March 2, Both lanes of U.S. 50 at the tributary to Turkey Creek, 1 mile east of Odin, will be intermittently restricted during daytime hours only on Tuesday, Feb. 28, Lane closures in both directions of Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri beginning Feb. 25, One lane will be closed on Southbound Interstate 57 between 0.7 mile north of IL 161 to the Jefferson County Line beginning February 16, Intermittent daytime lane closures in both directions of IL 143, (the Berm Highway) between the Clark Bridge and IL 3 beginning February 14, Both lanes of US 50 from 11th Street to McNair Campground Road in Carlyle will be intermittently restricted during daytime hours only on Thursday, February 9, 2023 and Friday, February 10, 2023, Inside lane of westbound I-270 between IL 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri will be closed January 21, Intermittent daytime lane closures in both directions of IL 100, (the River Road) between Grafton and Lockhaven Rd. IDOT has also suggested commuters exit earlier and use arterial roads for their commutes, though they noted that it may be a process of trial and error. The lanes are controlled by computers and verified by humans at a separate control center. Metra has been monitoring ridership as well as customer feedback, and these schedule changes respond to ridership trends and increase capacity and convenience by expanding peak period as well as off-peak service, Metra CEO and Executive Director Jim Derwinski said in a statement. Kennedy Expressway commute no big deal Tuesday? ", Stage 2: Express Lanes, Spring 2024 Through Fall 2024. This process is scheduled to take place each night from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning and is expected to take approximately one week for the work zone to be in place. Resurfacing of Old Arlington Heights Road, from Arlington Heights Road, in Arlington Heights, to Dundee Road (Illinois 68) in Buffalo Grove, will require intermittent daytime lane closures beginningMay 1, Cleaning and painting of the bridge that carries Steger Road over Interstate 57, will begin May 2, Resurfacing of Barrington Road, from Farmington Road, in South Barrington, to Stone Canyon Way, in Inverness, passing through Barrington Hills, will begin May 8, Resurfacing of Harlem Avenue (Illinois 43), from the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, in Forest View, to Hanover Street, in Summit and Chicago, will require intermittent overnight lane closures beginning May 9, Joint repairs and patching to the Interstate 80 bridges, between Rowell and Wheeler avenues, in Joliet, will require ramp and lane closures over four extended weekends, Routine inspection of the Interstate 80 bridges over the Des Plaines River, in Joliet, will begin May 1, As part of ongoing efforts to keep roadsides, interchanges, ramps and shoulders clean of trash and debris, litter removal operations are scheduled to take place along the expressway system in Cook and the collar counties, Patching and resurfacing of southbound Interstate 55, from Weber Road to Interstate 80, in Will County, will require overnight and weekend lane closures beginning April 19, Repairs to the bridges carrying Washington Street over Skokie Highway (U.S. 41) and over the Union Pacific Railroad, in Park City and Gurnee, will resume April 24, Resurfacing of Ninth Street (Illinois 7), from west of Canal Street to east of Read Street/Loch Lane, in Lockport, will require intermittent daytime lane closures beginning April 24, An intersection improvement at Cicero Avenue (Illinois 50) and Steger Road, in Richton Park and University Park, will require lane closures beginning April 24, I-80 in Joliet extended weekend lane closures continue, Cicero Avenue bridge work resumes April 24, Touhy Avenue closing at rail crossing April 20, Algonquin Road resurfacing begins April 26, Belvidere Road resurfacing begins April 19, Pavement patching and widening project on Interstate 80 between Interstate 55 and Ridge Road, in Joliet and Minooka, Reminder that a project to replace the bridge carrying Shepley Road over Interstate 80, in Minooka, will require a full closure of Shepley Road, between West Frontage and Ingolsby roads April 17 through November, Joint repairs and patching to the Interstate 80 bridges, between Rowell and Wheeler avenues, in Joliet, will require ramp and lane closures over four extended weekends beginning, weather permitting, Friday, April 14, Resurfacing of McHenry Road (Illinois 83), from north of Buffalo Grove Road to south of Old Checker Road, in Buffalo Grove, will require intermittent daytime lane closures beginning, weather permitting, Monday, April 10, A project to improve the exit ramp from northbound Interstate 290 to Biesterfield Road (Illinois 53), in Elk Grove Village, resumes Monday, April 3, Closures on I-80 in Joliet over four extended weekends; starting at 10 p.m. Friday, March 31, lane closures will take place on eastbound I-80, between, An improvement project on Oakton Street, from River Road to just east of Riverside Drive/Algonquin Road, in Des Plaines, will require lane closures beginning April 3, Patching and resurfacing of Joliet Road, from Interstate 55, in Bolingbrook, to Sherman Road, in Romeoville, passing through Woodridge, will require intermittent daytime lane closures beginning April 3, Resurfacing of Roosevelt Road, from Des Plaines Avenue, in Forest Park, to east of 47th Avenue, in Chicago, passing through Berwyn, Oak Park and Cicero, will require intermittent daytime lane closures beginning April 3, Repairs to the Touhy Avenue bridge, over the Des Plaines River, in Des Plaines and Park Ridge, will begin April 3, A project to replace the barrier and retaining walls along the inbound Eisenhower Expressway (Interstate 290), between Central and Laramie avenues, in Chicago, will begin April 10, A project to repair the Miner Street (U.S. 14) bridge, over the Des Plaines River, in Des Plaines, will begin, weather permitting, Monday, April 10, Lane closure is scheduled to take place on the inbound Dan Ryan Expressway (Interstate 90/94), weather permitting, starting at 10 p.m. Friday, March 31, Joint repairs and patching to the Interstate 80 bridges, between Rowell and Wheeler avenues, in Joliet, will require ramp and lane closures over four extended weekends beginning March 31, Project to replace the bridge carrying Wolf Road over Interstate 80, in Mokena and Orland Park, will resume, weather permitting, Wednesday, March 29, Overnight closures on Rowell Avenue in Joliet, Ongoing project to reconstruct the Interstate 55 interchange at Illinois 59, in Joliet and Shorewood, will require lane closures on Illinois 59 beginning March 28, Joint repairs and patching to the Interstate 80 bridges, between Rowell and Wheeler avenues, in Joliet, will require ramp and lane closures over four extended weekends beginning Friday, March 24, Repairs to the bridge carrying Jefferson Street (U.S. 52) over Interstate 55, in Shorewood, will begin Monday, March 20, Major rehabilitation of the Kennedy begins March 20, Wheeler Avenue bridge over I-80 closing March 20, Temporary lane closures on westbound I-80, between Rowell Avenue and Richards Street, in Joliet, weather permitting, Saturday, March 18, from 6 a.m. to noon, Right two lanes on the outbound Interstate 55 bridge over Illinois 53, just west of Interstate 355, in Bolingbrook, are temporarily closed for emergency repairs, Dundee Avenue resurfacing begins March 13, Rehabilitation of the Kennedy Expressway (Interstate 90/94), from the Edens Expressway (Interstate 94) junction to Ohio Street, is scheduled to begin March 20, Brandon Road bridge over the Des Plaines River, in Joliet, will be closed Friday, March 3, Rehabilitation of the Kennedy Expressway (Interstate 90/94), from the Edens Expressway (Interstate 94) junction to Ohio Street, is scheduled to begin Monday, March 20, Pothole patching is scheduled to take place on the Stevenson Expressway (Interstate 55), between First Avenue (Illinois 171) and LaGrange Road (U.S. 45) from 6:30-11 a.m. Feb. 18, Graffiti removal is scheduled to take place along the expressway system in Cook County over two consecutive nights, weather permitting, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 15, and Thursday, Feb. 16, McDonough Street bridge in Joliet to reopen, Jefferson Street bridge to close, Rebuilding Illinois: I-57 projects in south suburbs complete, Public comments sought on U.S. 14 at Hardland/Hughes Road intersection improvements, Wood Street/Ashland Avenue work begins tomorrow, Remaining ramps and lanes closed for the Jane Byrne Interchange reconstruction will open, weather permitting, during the overnight hours Dec. 15, Brandon Road Bridge over the Des Plaines River, in Joliet, is closed for emergency repairs, Inbound Dan Ryan ramp, lane closures Saturday, Westbound I-80 ramp, lane closures in Joliet, Jackson Boulevard, Adams Street bridges over the Kennedy at Byrne to reopen Dec. 1, Richards Street ramp to eastbound I-80 in Joliet to reopen Dec. 2, Inbound Eisenhower lane changes at Jane Byrne, Jane Byrne Interchange reconstruction stage changes are scheduled to take place on the inbound Dan Ryan Expressway (Interstate 90/94) beginning, weather permitting, Tuesday, Nov. 22, Overnight expressway graffiti removal next week, Testing to a utility pipeline along Interstate 80, in Joliet, will require multiple temporary daytime lane closures over the next couple of weeks, Virtual public meeting May 11 for proposed improvements on U.S. Business 20 in, Repairs are underway to the Montague Road bridge over Bypass U.S. 20 in Rockford, Illinois 92 will be closed in both directions starting Thursday, April 27 from 140th Street W (County Highway G) to Illinois 92 (124th Avenue West) / Illinois 192 (175th Street West) intersection, Construction will begin Tuesday, May 2 on Interstate 88 in Whiteside County, Traffic pattern change will begin Monday, May 1 on John Deere Road (Illinois 5) between 16th Street and 35th Street in Moline, Construction on the U.S. 67 Mississippi River bridge (Centennial Bridge) in Rock Island will resume on Monday, May 1, Construction will begin on U.S. 150 in Coal Valley on Monday, May 1.