Outbound Kennedy ramps: two reopening, two closing this week

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, the outbound ramp to Diversey Avenue (originally scheduled to open Sept. 13) is scheduled to reopen and the Belmont/Kedzie Avenue exit ramp from the expressway to close by 5 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16.

Additionally, the Fullerton Avenue ramp to the outbound Kennedy is scheduled to reopen and the California Avenue entrance ramp to close by 5 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 18.

The closures are necessary to safely complete repairs and pavement patching. The Belmont/Kedzie Avenue ramp is anticipated to reopen in approximately two weeks, and California Avenue in four weeks.

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.

Current ramp closures:

The public should follow the posted detours.

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 reversible express lanes will remain open in the outbound direction. The reversible mid-gate entrance and exits will remain closed. ​ ​ ​ 

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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