Kennedy rehabilitation update: Week 20

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that the rehabilitation of the Kennedy Expressway (Interstate 90/94) from the Edens Expressway (I-94) junction to Ohio Street continued to progress the week of July 28. The following are highlights completed during the week: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 

Week of July 28 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 

Next week’s work will be focused on pavement milling, pavement patching, asphalt placement, bridge joint demolition forming, bridge deck preparation and pouring of latex concrete decks. Also, work is happening under the road as well as on it. While you might not see people in the work zone, they could be beneath the road. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 

As a reminder, a new traffic configuration approaching the Edens Expressway will be in place for approximately two weeks, starting Monday, Aug. 4, with the work zone reducing the outbound lanes to four lanes, split into two lanes each separated by a barrier wall between Kostner Avenue and the Edens junction. The two left lanes will continue on to the outbound Kennedy (I-90), while the two right lanes will shift slightly to the right and continue to the Edens (I-94). 

The public should be aware of the changes, prepare to merge into their preferred lane early and anticipate some delays the first few days of the configuration. ​ 

In addition, the outbound expressway’s existing right lane closures are extended from just before the junction to Wilson Avenue on the Edens to accommodate pavement repairs. The outbound Edens ramp to Wilson Avenue also is closed with a posted detour. The work is anticipated to be completed and the ramp reopened by 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 4. 

The Keeler Avenue ramp to the outbound Kennedy closed at the start of the summer also will reopen by 5 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, a month ahead of schedule. 

The following ramps are currently closed to accommodate ongoing bridge rehabilitation and ramp repairs: ​ ​ ​ 

Additional ramp closures for varying durations will be required to complete the project, which remains on pace for an overall completion by Thanksgiving. Details, schedules and impacts to traffic will be shared in advance, closer to the individual closure dates. ​ 

Motorists should follow the posted detours. ​ ​ ​ 

The reversible express lanes will remain open in the outbound direction, with two mainline outbound lanes closed at a time. The reversible mid-gate entrance and exits will remain closed. ​ ​​ ​ ​ 

All scheduled work is subject to change due to multiple factors, including inclement weather. In that event, schedules will be updated and shared with the public. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 

The public should expect significant delays and 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. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 

Throughout construction, traveling during non-peak hours, taking alternative routes and utilizing public transportation, including the Chicago Transit Authority’s Blue Line and Metra’s Union Pacific Northwest Line, as well as Pace, are recommended. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 

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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