Construction season causes traffic delays, frustration in Loop

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Traffic in downtown Chicago has been frustrating for drivers thanks to an unusually high amount of construction in the Loop.

The intersection of Congress Parkway and Michigan Avenue is under construction for the NFL Draft, which will be held in Chicago from April 30 to May 2. There are also overnight road closures for the construction of NFL Draft Town in Grant Park.

But it's not just preparation for the draft. It seems like no matter which way you turn in the Loop, there's construction.

Traffic was snarled on Madison Street where work continues to create bus-only lanes for the Loop Link.

There are also lane reductions on Wabash because of the construction of the new Washington/Wabash CTA station.

Chicago transportation officials say many of the projects now under way were delayed because of the economy. Thanks to an infusion of federal funds, much of the investment in updating Chicago's transportation network for residents and visitors can now be performed.

Until then, residents like Jamie Theophilos are trading in four wheels for two in hopes of making it through the city's other season: construction season.

"It's tremendously easier," Theophilos says. "It takes me like 20 minutes to get home. When I drive it's at least an hour.