Chicago officials had cautioned drivers and residents earlier in the week they would implement closures if needed amid celebrations of Mexican Independence Day, and some closures are in effect Saturday night.
Chicago officials have restricted access into the Central Business District due to vehicle congestion caused by Mexican Independence Day celebrations.
According to officials with the Office of Emergency Management and Communication, the restriction applies to all areas between Halsted Street and DuSable Lake Shore Drive, with the northern boundary at Division Street and the southern boundary at 18th Street.
Individuals who live or work in the impacted area, and all critical care workers, will be permitted access at designated checkpoints:
Halsted/Division
Halsted/Chicago
Halsted/Washington
Local
Halsted/Madison
Halsted/Jackson
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Division/LaSalle
Roosevelt/Canal
Desplaines/Canal
18th/State
18th/Michigan
18th/Indiana
The following exit ramps are also closed to limit access into the downtown area.
Eisenhower Expressway
-Outbound ramp to Ashland Avenue
Dan Ryan Expressway
-Inbound ramp to eastbound Byrne Interchange
Kennedy Expressway
-Inbound ramp to Ohio Street
-Inbound off-ramp to eastbound Byrne Interchange
-Ohio Feeder Ramp between the Kennedy and Orleans Street
Stevenson Expressway
-Inbound ramp to King Drive
-Inbound ramp to DuSable Lake Shore Drive
Celebrations of Mexican Independence Day, which include car caravans, are expected to continue throughout evenings this weekend, with city officials cautioning of closures and even limited access into the downtown business district.
The El Grito Festival is also ongoing in Chicago’s Grant Park, with music, food and a variety of celebrations.
Jackson is closed between Columbus and DuSable Lake Shore Drive for the festival, according to officials.
