Kennedy stage change begins Monday, July 7

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that as part of the ongoing rehabilitation of the Kennedy Expressway (Interstate 90/94) from the Edens Expressway (I-94) junction to Ohio Street, a stage change is scheduled to take place over two consecutive nights beginning, weather permitting, Monday, July 7.

To safely shift the work zone, starting at 10 p.m. Monday and Tuesday the outbound Kennedy will be gradually reduced to one outbound lane from Washington Boulevard to Addison Street with intermittent ramp closures taking place between Washington Boulevard and Addison Street. At midnight, the reversible express lanes will close. By 5 a.m. each morning, lanes and ramps that were temporarily closed overnight will reopen. The work is anticipated to be completed by 5 a.m. Wednesday, July 9, when the new traffic pattern will be in place.

Additionally, to accommodate ongoing bridge rehabilitation and ramp repairs, the following ramps also will close:

Current ramp closures:

The public should follow the posted detours.

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.

In the new configuration, the outbound lanes will shift slightly to the left on to the new pavement between Division and Addison streets. 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. The new configuration will allow work to begin on the right lanes of the outbound expressway.

Additional ramp closures for varying durations will be required to complete the project. Details, schedules and impacts to traffic will be shared in advance, closer to the individual closure dates. ​

The overall outbound Kennedy project is anticipated to be completed by Thanksgiving, with all lanes and ramps reopening and the express lanes resuming normal operations.

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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