1/12/2025 UPDATE: The Kennedy express lanes are scheduled to reopen and resume normal operations, weather permitting, by 5 a.m. Monday, Jan. 13.
Motorists should still expect occasional, temporary lane closures in the coming weeks to complete miscellaneous punch list items and pavement marking refreshing. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and remain alert for workers and equipment.
Kennedy express lanes testing wrapping up, work zone removal, lanes reopen next week
CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that the testing of the new reversible gate system on the Kennedy Expressway (Interstate 90/94) express lanes is nearing completion. A sequenced removal of the work zone is scheduled to begin, weather permitting, Thursday, Jan. 9. The express lanes are anticipated to reopen the week of Jan. 13.
To safely remove the barricades and apply new pavement markings, three overnight lane closures will be required on the inbound and outbound Kennedy and Edens Expressway (Interstate 94). At least one lane in each direction will remain open at all times.
Thursday, Jan. 9
- Starting at 10 p.m., the two left lanes on the inbound Kennedy will be closed from Lawrence Avenue to the Edens junction.
- At the same time, the two left lanes on the inbound Edens will be closed from Foster Avenue to the junction.
- The ramps will not be impacted.
By 5 a.m. Friday the lanes that were closed overnight will reopen. The express lanes will remain closed.
Friday, Jan. 10
- Starting at 10 p.m., the two left lanes on the outbound Kennedy will be closed between Randolph and Ohio streets.
- At the same time, the Ontario Street feeder ramp will be closed between Orleans Street and the Kennedy.
By 6 a.m. Saturday the ramp and lanes that were closed overnight will reopen. The express lanes will remain closed.
Saturday, Jan. 11
- Starting at 10 p.m., the two left lanes on the inbound Kennedy will be closed between Kimball and Sacramento avenues.
- At the same time, the two left lanes on the outbound Kennedy will be closed between Diversey and Fullerton avenues.
By 6 a.m. Sunday, the lanes that were closed overnight will reopen. The express lanes will remain closed as finishing items are completed.
A more exact date and time for the reopening of the express lanes will be shared once the removal of the work zone is underway and reassessed.
The work and schedule are highly weather dependent. If the overnight work on Thursday, Friday or Saturday is canceled due to the weather, it will be rescheduled to the first available night(s) that conditions allow. In that event, details, schedules and impacts to traffic will be updated and shared with the public.
Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and be on the alert for workers and equipment.
In addition to rehabilitating the bridges and pavement in the two express lanes in the center of the Kennedy, the work has involved technical aspects not always visible to the public, namely the rehabilitation and replacement of the entire Reversible Lane Access Control (REVLAC) system.
The REVLAC system controls the gates and whether traffic flow inbound or outbound. Work included installing 120 gates, integrating local and remote controls, replacing multiple cameras, modernizing electrical components as well as fiber-optic cables and terminal blocks along the 7.5 miles. New overhead sign structures and signs also were installed. Additionally, Hubbard’s Cave (Grand Avenue to Wayman Street) was painted, and new LED lights installed.
The overall Kennedy rehabilitation project, from the Edens junction to Ohio Street, is taking place over three construction seasons. The inbound Kennedy was completed in 2023, the outbound lanes will begin later this spring with the project completed by the end of this year.
For more information, visit https://idot.illinois.gov/projects/Interstate-90-Kennedy-Bridge-Study. The website features project details, maps, photos and fact sheets. The public can email questions to DOT.KennedyRehab@illinois.gov. For systemwide traffic and road conditions, visit www.gettingaroundillinois.com. You also can follow IDOT on Facebook and X.
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Maria Castaneda
Guy Tridgell