'Loop Link' closures on Madison to be extended from LaSalle to Wacker
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Lane closures in effect in Chicago's Loop will be extended several blocks early Friday morning, as part of a project designed to speed up downtown bus travel.
Loop Link construction crews are installing bus-only lanes, canopied bus stations and bike lanes on Madison Street to improve that traffic flow and connect Union and Ogilvie Metra stations to Michigan Avenue.
Westbound Madison Street is currently reduced to two lanes from State Street to Clark Street. Southbound Clinton Street is currently reduced to two lanes from Randolph Street to Jackson Boulevard.
Chicago Department of Transportation officials said the construction zone on Madison Street will extend from LaSalle Street to Wacker Drive starting early Friday morning. Additional lanes may be closed overnight and on weekends.
Drivers should expect delays, allow for extra travel time or consider taking alternate routes through the Loop, CDOT said. No detours are planned.
CDOT officials said half of all travelers in the Loop take the bus. The project is expected to improve service between downtown and several Chicago neighborhoods, including South Shore, Little Village, Austin and Logan Square.
Loop Link is scheduled to be finished by the end of 2015.
For more information, visit ChicagoLoopLink.com.
