'Expect Significant Delays' On Kennedy As Work Resumes: IDOT

CHICAGO — Drivers should prepare for disruption as the Kennedy Expressway rehabilitation from the Edens Expressway junction to Ohio Street resumes this week, according to authorities.

Travelers are encouraged to use alternative routes and public transportation, authorities said, as reversible express lanes will be open to outbound drivers with two mainline outbound lanes closed.

“Motorists also should expect lane shifts and overnight lane closures, along with various ramp closures for varying durations throughout the project,” the Illinois Department of Transportation said in a news release. “The public should expect significant delays and allow extra time for trips through this area.”

During the first stage of the work, expected to last through mid-July, the reversible mid-gate entrance and exits will be closed, with traffic in the express lanes unable to exit until Interstate 94 at Foster Avenue, according to the department, which said drivers bound for Interstate 90 or O’Hare International Airport from downtown Chicago should not take the express lanes.

As part of the efforts to establish the work zone, outbound I-90/94 will be gradually reduced to one lane between Belmont and Montrose avenues starting at 9 p.m. Thursday, with reversible express lanes closing and intermittent ramp closures, authorities said. Lanes and ramps will reopen by 5 a.m. Friday.

The work is the final phase of a three-year project and is focused on the outbound lanes. It is expected to be completed around Thanksgiving.

The overall $169 million Kennedy project is made possible by Gov. JB Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois capital program, according to the department.

“The project will improve safety, traffic flow and reliability for the more than 275,000 vehicles that use the expressway each day,” the news release said.

For more information, visit idot.illinois.gov/projects/Interstate-90-Kennedy-Bridge-Studyor email DOT.KennedyRehab@illinois.gov.