Kennedy Expressway Express Lanes to Resume Normal Operation for Monday Morning Rush
CHICAGO, IL - Chicago commuters will experience a significant advancement to their Monday morning drive as the express lanes on the Kennedy Expressway reopen to inbound traffic. This marks the first time as spring that the lanes will operate in their typical configuration, following a lengthy period of outbound-only operation necessitated by major construction work.
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced the change following the full reopening of all outbound kennedy Expressway lanes on Sunday.The reopening signals the nearing completion of a complete three-year overhaul of the vital expressway.
While the majority of the project is concluding, drivers should be aware that construction will continue on several outbound ramps through late October. IDOT has detailed the following ramp closures adn reopenings:
- Wilson Avenue Exit ramp: Scheduled to close Monday night for approximately two weeks.
- division Street Ramp: The outbound Kennedy ramp to Division Street is expected to reopen in mid-October.
- Ontario Street Feeder Ramp: The feeder ramp to the outbound Kennedy will be closed for an estimated one to two weeks.
State officials are confident the expressway construction will be completed weeks ahead of the Thanksgiving Day deadline,as originally projected. The Chicago Sun-Times reports on the project’s timeline.
Separate, unrelated work will continue on the Ohio Street and Ontario Street ramps through next summer. Currently,two lanes remain open in each direction between Orleans Street and the Kennedy Expressway.
The Kennedy Expressway is a critical transportation artery for the Chicago metropolitan area, carrying hundreds of thousands of vehicles daily. The recent construction aimed to improve safety and address long-term infrastructure needs.
