Here’s what to know about getting around Chicago and the suburbs this weekend and beyond.
Dec. 31
Before you toast the New Year, how about a Bears game along the lakefront, and a win in the final home kick-off against the Falcons? The action starts at 12 p.m., and the CTA will be offering extra service in and out of Solider Field.
New Year’s Eve fireworks, put on by the city of Chicago, will start just before midnight. At around 11:45 p.m., bridge closures near the prime viewing area will be in place. That includes Franklin Street, LaSalle Street, Clark Street, Dearborn Street, State Street and Columbus Drive over the Chicago River. The Wabash and Michigan Avenue bridges will remain open, with traffic control aides out to help with congestion.
Public transportation is a great idea, especially considering three major agencies are not charging fares on New Year’s Eve. On the CTA, Miller Lite is sponsoring the free rides, but customers should note if they tap their Ventra card on the card reader by mistake or habit, the CTA will not issue a refund. Metra rail and Pace buses are offering free rides as well. These agencies will all have reduced, holiday schedules by 4 a.m. on New Year’s Day.
Jan. 1
Northwest Indiana commuters: pay up. Two toll roads across the state line will see an increase for passenger (2-axle) vehicles starting today.
Local
On the Chicago Skyway, the toll is increasing to $7.20 from $6.60. There is no discount for off-peak usage of the Skyway for 2-axle vehicles. The Cline Avenue Bridge, a shortcut between Hammond and East Chicago, is increasing its toll too. The cost of taking Cline is going up to $2.90 from $2.75 per passenger vehicle.
2024
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A new enforceable Illinois law prohibits videoconferencing while driving. Motorists who log onto apps like Zoom while behind the wheel, are required to go ‘audio-only’. ISP and other agencies say they will be looking to ticket offenders as part of efforts to cut down on distracted driving. Full list of laws that can impact motorists and commuters in 2024 here.
This post is updated weekly.
