by A construction project for the Kennedy Expressway that will leave many commuters experiencing “major delays” for years is scheduled to begin Monday, but commuters likely won’t immediately experience the traffic effects.
That’s because the closures begin at 10 p.m. Monday and the first part of the job will be to simply “put the work zone in place.”
“The work initially includes setting up the work zone and gradually reducing the 7.5-mile stretch of the inbound Kennedy to two through lanes,” the Illinois Department of Transportation said in a press release. Crews will place barriers from the Edens intersection southbound to Ohio Street. This process is scheduled to take place each night from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next morning and is expected to take about a week for the work zone to be in place. “
Officials have been warning for weeks about the possibility of “significant delays” due to the impending roadworks, urging drivers to seek alternative routes or modes of transport.
The closures will affect commuters, both inbound and outbound on the highway, through 2025.
“Motorists should expect significant delays and allow extra time for journeys through this area,” IDOT said in a press release. “Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flags and signs in work zones, adhere to posted speed limits, and be alert to workers and equipment. Public transportation and off-peak travel is recommended when possible.”
The estimated $150 million project includes “rehabilitation of 36 bridge structures and the Reversible Lane Access Control (REVLAC) system, replacement of road sign structures, installation of new signage and upgraded LED lighting, pavement repair and structural painting.” Hubbard’s Cave, from Grand Avenue to Wayman Street, will also be painted and new LED lighting installed, IDOT said.
In total, the work will take place in three phases. Here’s what IDOT says to expect:
Phase I – Incoming Kennedy
Two main carriageways will be closed at the same time. To help minimize the impact on traffic reversible express lanes remain open in the inbound direction and motorists cannot exit the express lanes until Armitage Avenue. Lane shifts and nighttime lane closures, along with several driveway closures, are required to complete the work. Later this summer, painting and installation of new LED lighting will begin on the inbound Hubbard’s Cave, between Ohio and Lake Streets. Construction is expected to be completed later this fall, with all lanes and ramps reopening and express lanes returning to normal use.
Phase II – Reversible express lanes
The reversible express lanes will be closed to allow for restoration of the REVLAC system and bridge structures, along with sidewalk restoration. In addition, main lane closures are required painting and installation of new LED lighting in both directions of Hubbard’s Cave, between Ohio and Lake Streets. Construction is expected to start in the spring of 2024 and be completed in the fall of 2024.
Phase III – Outgoing Kennedy
The reversible express lanes will remain open in the outbound direction, while two main lanes will be closed at once. Lane shifts and nighttime lane closures, along with several driveway closures, are needed to complete the job. In addition, new LED lighting will be installed and painted in the outgoing Hubbard’s Cave, between Ohio and Lake streets. Construction is expected to start in the spring of 2025 and be completed in the fall of 2025.
