Commuters may face more headaches and traffic on the Kennedy Expressway very soon.
Starting March 11, the expressway’s reversible express lanes from just before the Edens Expressway junction to Ohio Street will be closed through the fall. Lane and ramp closures along with reduced traffic flow inbound and outbound are anticipated, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Although the official construction doesn’t begin until March 11, preparation begins the week of March 4th with overnight express lane closures between 9pm and 5am.
Then, beginning at 9pm on March 11, inbound Kennedy and Edens traffic will be reduced to one lane from just before the Edens junction to Irving Park Road and reversible express lanes will fully close. Intermittent closures are expected at Wilson Avenue, Montrose Avenue and Irving Park Road inbound ramps.
The following night, outbound Kennedy traffic will be reduced to two lanes and intermittent ramp closures are expected between North and Fullerton Avenues.
Starting at 9pm on March 13, Kennedy inbound traffic will be reduced to one lane between Milwaukee Avenue to Lake Street while outbound lanes will be reduced between Madison Street and Milwaukee Avenue.
The evening of March 14, inbound traffic will be reduced to one lane between North and Fullerton Avenues and intermittent outbound ramp closures are expected between North and Fullerton as well.
The temporary closures are scheduled to reopen by 5am the following morning.
This is the second phase of a three year, $150 million infrastructure renewal project. The endeavor aims to upgrade 36 bridges, fix damaged concrete and reinstall LED lights.
For all updates on the infrastructure rehabilitation project and full details of upcoming closures, visit the Illinois Department of Transportation website.