Street closures begin ahead of NFL Draft Town

CHICAGO -- Street closures downtown began Monday as the city prepares for the returning NFL Draft Town Fan Festival on April 28 though April 30.

Residents near Grant Park should expect traffic delays, according to a statement from the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications.

Balbo from Columbus to Lake Shore Drive is closed to traffic, OEMC said. Westbound Balbo will remain closed until May 6. Eastbound Balbo will reopen April 24 during the morning rush and close again May 3 through May 6 for event clean-up.

Motorists and residents should also expect more closures.

Michigan Avenue from Van Buren to Congress will be closed at 9 p.m. Tuesday until 5 a.m. Wednesday, according to OEMC. All traffic will be rerouted through Congress Circle during this time.

Michigan Avenue from Jackson to Balbo will close on April 28 from 3-8 p.m. and then again on April 29 from 3-8 p.m. in order to accommodate the red carpet introduction featuring NFL legends and top college prospects, OEMC said.

Columbus from Jackson to Balbo will also be closed beginning 9 p.m. on April 21 until 8 a.m. April 22 for set-up of the festival, according to the statement. Columbus will close again at 8 p.m. on April 22 until May 2.

Congress from Michigan to Columbus, including sidewalks and the Congress Circle, will close April 22 and will reopen May 2, OEMC said. Congress from Wabash to Michigan Avenue will close 3-8 p.m. April 28 and beginning 3 p.m. April 29. It is expected to open again later that evening.

Source: Sun-Times Media Wire - Copyright Chicago Sun-Times 2016.)