Kennedy Expressway construction prompts highway closures this weekend
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Kennedy Expressway drivers should plan for closures on the inbound lanes near the downtown area this weekend. The demolition of the Ontario Street Bridge is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. Friday.
The closures will likely affect travel times on other local roads and highways around the city as drivers make their way around them. Driver can avoid frustration by planning ahead and taking advantage of public transportation. CTA and Metra are expected to increase service to accommodate more riders.
These closures will be in effect from 10 p.m. on Friday, June 13 - 5 a.m. on Monday, June 16:
The inbound Kennedy will narrow from five lanes to two lanes near Diversey and traffic will be forced off at Ohio.
The Ontario Street Bridge feeds traffic onto both sides of the Kennedy. Built in 1959, the bridge is more than 50 years old and is being replaced with a modern structure. The Illinois Department of Transportation expects demolition will take three consecutive weekends to complete.
MORE: Complete project overview and schedule
Project Overview Video:
Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider explained why the demolition is spread over three weekends.
"It has to be removed as one unit at a time," Schneider said. "There are three units and each unit has to be removed."
Local businesses voiced concerns that the closures would keep people away from the city this weekend. But they encourage visitors not to stay away.
"We understand that this is a project that has to happen. We don't begrudge that at all," Mag Mile Association President John Chikow said. "But we just need to be sure people understand there are ways to plan and get around."
Suggested alternate routes for this weekend:
If you're planning on attending Blues Fest, Taste of Randolph Street, the Wells Street Art Fair, the Puerto Rican Parade and Festival or any other Chicago festivals on Father's Day weekend, public transportation is highly recommended.
LINKS
IDOT Project Page - http://www.dot.il.gov/KennedyatOhio/index.html
ABC7 Chicago Traffic Page- set alerts, check travel times, plan routes: http://abc7chicago.com/traffic/
VIDEO: Kennedy construction challenges begin this weekend
