IDOT reopens more lanes on OB Kennedy Expressway; one step closer to ending major project

Wednesday, September 3, 2025
CHICAGO (WLS) -- IDOT says its on track to wrap up the Kennedy Expressway rehabilitation project by this Thanksgiving.

So far, IDOT has delivered on their promise to relieve traffic for some drivers on the North and Northwest Sides.



On Wednesday, IDOT reopened three major outbound Kennedy exit ramps: Kimball Avenue, Addison Street and Pulaski Road/Irving Park Road (Illinois 19).

Meaning, all lanes fully reopened from Addison Street to Pulaski Road.



The Kimball Avenue ramp to outbound Kennedy was closed on Tuesday night, IDOT said. It is expected to reopen in approximately three weeks.

The outbound Kennedy ramp to Addison Street was also closed, it is anticipated to reopen in approximately three weeks.

Last week, all I-90/94 lanes north of Addison Street are reopened.

I-TEAM | Detour for Kennedy Expressway construction has trucks barreling down residential street on NW Side

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



Current ramp closures on the outbound Kennedy include:

-Augusta Boulevard/Milwaukee Avenue: expected to reopen mid-October.

-North Avenue (Illinois 64): expected to reopen early September.

-Armitage Avene: expected to reopen early September.

-Fullerton Avenue to outbound Kennedy and the slip ramp portion to Western Avenue, anticipated to reopen mid-September.



-Diversey Avenue: to reopen in mid-September.

IDOT said the outbound Kennedy project is on track to be completed by Thanksgiving, with all lanes and ramps reopening and the express lanes resuming normal operations.

CHICAGO TRAFFIC | See LIVE drive times

Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.