A major project is slated to take over a prominent part of the Kennedy Expressway for multiple years, impacting many Chicago-area commuters in a matter of weeks as officials urge drivers to find “alternative routes,” NBC 5’s Patrick Fazio reports.
Attention Chicago-area drivers: Traffic on the Kennedy is about to become more congested and "major delays are anticipated" as a years-long, major construction project will soon take over an already busy portion of the highway.
According to officials with the Illinois Department of Transportation, a $150 million rehabilitation project of the Kennedy Expressway from the Edens Expressway Junction to Ohio street is scheduled to begin March 20.
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.
While officials say the rehabilitation will "increase safety, reduce maintenance costs and improve traffic flow," IDOT is also warning that "travel delays are anticipated," and "alternative routes are strongly encouraged."
Here's a breakdown of what we know about the project, and when and where construction is expected to occur.
Where On the Kennedy Is the Construction Taking Place?
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.
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In addition, work is also planned for Hubbard's Cave -- the tunnel underneath where Hubbard Street crosses over the Kennedy Expressway -- from Grand Avenue to Wayman Street.
Which Lanes Will Be Blocked and When?
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IDOT says the project will occur in three stages, with the first stage beginning March 20.
Stage 1: Inbound Lanes, Spring 2023 Through Fall 2023
The first stage of construction will impact the inbound Kennedy, with "two mainline inbound lanes closed at a time."
"Motorists should expect lane shifts and overnight lane closure, along with various ramp closures," a release from IDOT says.
A press release from the agency goes on to say that reversible express lanes will remain open in the inbound direction "to help minimize traffic impact."
In the summer months, the inbound tunnel underneath where Hubbard Street crosses over the Kennedy Expressway will also be impacted.
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"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.
According to officials, stage 1 projects are expected to be completed in the fall of 2023, with "all lanes and ramps reopening and the express lanes resuming normal operations."
Stage 2: Express Lanes, Spring 2024 Through Fall 2024
IDOT says the second stage of the project will tackle the reversible express lanes.
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.
"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.
According to officials, stage 2 projects are expected to begin in the spring of 2024, and be completed in fall of 2024.
Stage 3: Outbound Kennedy, Spring 2025 Through Late Fall 2025
The third stage of the construction, IDOT says, will address the outbound lanes of the Kennedy Expressway.
According to the release, two mainline outbound lanes will be closed at a time, with lane shifts, overnight lane closures, and various ramp closures. However, "the reversible express lanes will remain open in the outbound direction," IDOT says.
Additionally, work on outbound Hubbard's Cave will continue between Ohio and Lake Streets, IDOT says.
Officials say the third stage is expected to begin in the spring of 2025 and be completed in late fall of 2025.
When Will the Construction Be Over?
According to IDOT, the overall project is expected to start March 20, 2023, beginning with inbound Kennedy lanes. It will be completed in stages, IDOT says, and is expected to be wrapped up entirely in "late fall 2025."
"Motorists should expect significant delays and allow extra time for trips through this area," IDOT says.
The Kennedy Expressway has been officially open since November 1960, but according to IDOT, the last major rehab project on the roadway was completed in 1994.
