Two outbound Kennedy lanes close temporarily in new split work zone configuration starting next week
Extended weekend closures begin tomorrow, with Keeler ramp reopening
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, ramp and lane closures are scheduled over the next several days on the north end of the project. When the closures are complete, a new traffic configuration approaching the Edens Expressway will be in place for the next two weeks, with the work zone reducing the outbound lanes to four lanes separated in the middle by a barrier wall.
The changes are necessary to maintain the overall project schedule and make the improvements as quickly as possible while keeping workers and the public safe.
- Starting at 8 p.m. Thursday, July 31, to 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 4, weather permitting, the outbound expressway’s existing right lane closures will be extended from just before the junction to Wilson Avenue on the Edens to accommodate pavement repairs. The outbound Edens ramp to Wilson Avenue also will be closed during that time with a posted detour.
- Starting at 10 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4, weather permitting, the outbound Kennedy will be gradually reduced to one lane from Kostner Avenue to the Edens junction with intermittent ramp closures. At midnight, the express lanes will close. By 5 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, any lanes and ramps temporarily closed overnight will reopen. 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.
In the new configuration, the north end of the Kennedy work zone will be reduced from six outbound lanes to four, 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 new configuration will allow outbound center lanes to be repaired between Kostner Avenue and the Edens junction and remain in place for approximately two weeks.
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.
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.
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.
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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Maria Castaneda
Guy Tridgell