Kennedy rehabilitation update: Week 29
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 continues to progress as it moves into the final stretch, with all mainline lanes reopening this weekend, putting the project on pace to finish before a Thanksgiving deadline.
The following are highlights completed during the week:
Week of Sept. 29
- The work zone continued to be removed from the outbound lanes in stages over several nights this week.
- Permanent pavement striping.
- Structural concrete and steel repairs on bridge piers and concrete and steel beams under various bridges continues.
- Saw-cutting, removal, preparation and placement of concrete pavement patches at various locations continues.
- Grooving and sealing various bridge decks.
- Hot mix asphalt paving of bridge approach pavement.
Next week’s work will be focused on pavement patching, structural concrete and steel repairs on bridge piers and concrete and steel beams under various bridges, along with anti-graffiti coating placement on retaining walls and permanent pavement striping.
To facilitate the lanes reopening, weather permitting, the following overnight ramp and lane closures are scheduled to take place.
Saturday, Oct. 4
- Starting at midnight, the outbound Kennedy will be reduced to one lane between Ohio/Ontario Street and North Avenue, with intermittent ramp closures beginning at 9 p.m. At midnight, the express lanes will close.
- By 10 a.m. Sunday, the entire stretch of the outbound Kennedy will be fully reopened.
- Additionally, the outbound Kennedy ramps to Damen Avenue and to Augusta Boulevard/Milwaukee Avenue will reopen.
The express lanes will remain open in the outbound direction while final work continues. The reversible mid-gate entrance and exits will remain closed until then.
While the mainline lanes will reopen, work will continue through late October on several outbound ramps, the Wilson Avenue exit ramp from the expressway is schedule to close beginning, weather permitting, Monday night, Oct. 6, for an estimated two weeks. The closure is necessary to safely complete repairs and pavement patching.
Current ramp closures:
- Outbound Kennedy to Augusta Boulevard/Milwaukee Avenue, anticipated to reopen Oct. 5.
- Outbound Kennedy to Division Street, anticipated to reopen mid-October.
The Ontario Street feeder ramp to the outbound Kennedy will close within the next week or two. Details, schedules and impacts to traffic will be shared in advance, closer to the closure date.
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Additionally, work continues through next summer on the Ohio and Ontario Street feeder ramps, an unrelated project. Two lanes are open in each direction between Orleans Street and the Kennedy. Click here for more information.
At all times, the public should follow the posted detours, expect 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 alternate 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.
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.
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
