Kennedy Express Lanes Reopen But More Closures To Come

CHICAGO — The express lanes on the Kennedy Expressway reopened this week, according to authorities.

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced Sunday the lanes would resume normal operations Monday morning after a lengthy improvement process.

“Motorists should still expect occasional, temporary lane closures in the coming weeks to complete miscellaneous punch list items and pavement marking refreshing,” according to the department. “Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and remain alert for workers and equipment.”

The express lanes were closed about 10 months, according to NBC Chicago.

The work has involved improving the bridges and pavement in the two express lanes in the center of the Kennedy, as well as technical aspects not always visible to the public, namely the rehabilitation and replacement of the Reversible Lane Access Control system, according to the department.

The system controls the gates and whether traffic flows inbound or outbound. The work has included installing 120 gates, integrating local and remote controls, replacing cameras, and modernizing electrical components as well as fiber-optic cables and terminal blocks along the 7.5 miles.

New overhead structures and signs were also installed, and Hubbard’s Cave was painted and given new LED lights.

The overall Kennedy rehabilitation project, from the Edens Expressway junction to Ohio Street, is taking place over three construction seasons. The inbound Kennedy was completed in 2023, and the outbound lanes are set to start in the spring and take a full construction season.

The $150 million project was funded by Gov. JB Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois capital program, according to the department.