How to get around Lollapalooza traffic

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Lollapalooza opens at 11 a.m. Friday. With more than 100,000 people expected to attend on the first day, downtown traffic is going to be challenging. To avoid the gridlock, plan ahead and pack some patience.

Major street closures for music festival are in effect in Grant Park. Ongoing Loop Link construction further limits downtown driving, as well as heavy foot traffic from pedestrians and tourists enjoying the city this weekend.

OEMC Deputy Operations Manager Rich Guidice recommends leaving the car at home.

"(Take) public transportation. CTA has additional buses - additional rail cars in their system. Metra as well," Guidice said.

Metra also has a special $10 three-day pass. Connect to CTA rapid transit and it's a short walk to Grant Park. The city is doing what it can to keep traffic flowing. If people must drive, they should allow extra travel time.

"We have traffic control aides that are assigned to this event. Approximately 150 throughout the day," Guidice said.

Drivers who are not headed to Lollapalooza should detour as far west as possible to avoid gridlock.

Lake Shore Drive will be open. But there's construction at the Stevenson Expressway ramps and the Chicago White Sox have a three-day series against the New York Yankees.

Officials said the biggest traffic issue could be when the fest closes and all those people head out on Michigan Avenue.