Kennedy expressway construction project begins Monday night | IDOT says Chicago traffic project will take 3 years
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — Hundreds of thousands of drivers use the Kennedy Expressway every single day, and things are about to change for those commuters in a big way.

A long-awaited estimated $150 million construction project on the Kennedy Expressway begins Monday night, and will last for three years. The construction will affect drivers in a major way.

“It’s going to get really heavy and the traffic,” commuter Rafael Robeles said. “I’ll be traveling back and forth and it’s gonna to be really tight people trying to go back home, people trying to go to work, it’s just gonna get tough, very tough.”

Beginning at 10 p.m., IDOT Crews will begin setting up construction on the inbound side of the Kennedy Expressway between Montrose and Hubbard’s Cave.

Chicago’s Kennedy Expressway reconstruction

By the end of this week, the two left lanes will be closed for that entire 7.5-mile stretch.

“Oh yeah, more construction right in my backyard, on my way to everywhere,” said driver Betsy Kalmar.

But it’s not just the inbound side the express lanes will no longer open outbound, only inbound, during the entire first phase of the project, which means no relief for those outbound drivers leaving downtown.

“You’re going to impact on the Kennedy if you are going inbound or outbound- because obviously the work is going inbound, but also you’re not going to have those additional two lanes during the outbound commute so not only Is it going to impact those traveling the Kennedy, but it could definitely start impacting those on the Dan Ryan or even the Eisenhower,” IDOT spokesperson Maria Castaneda said.

SEE MORE: IDOT to begin 3-year project on 36 bridges over Kennedy Expressway; closures expected

IDOT suggests trying to either leave home earlier, or stagger your drive time if you can, otherwise CTA and Metra might be a good option. The UP Northwest is even adding more trains to their schedule to help accommodate.

Other possible alternatives are the Eisenhower or DuSable Lake Shore Drive, but beware, because you won’t be the only one.

Either way, drivers, especially those that do it for a living, are not looking forward to the traffic mess.

“It’s gonna cause a big mess for us as limo drivers getting our people from one place to another and the destination we have to go,” limo driver Dana Malone said.

“I think we’re probably going to have to take either 55, take a detour all the way down to 294 cause I’m not taking 94 anymore,” limo driver Dave Singh said. “I don’t want to sit in traffic for two, three hours.”

The Illinois Department of Transportation said the pavement is in decent shape, but work is starting because of bridge decks that are in bad shape.

“The bridges especially are falling to pieces on the Kennedy, and it’s high-time that they do this. But, the problem with road work, is we just have to suffer through it,” said limousine driver Don Wendland.

Thirty-six bridge structures will be repaired, along with overhead sign-structures, new LED lights, pavement patching and more.

Tony Lopez, who drives for Lyft, is worried about burning through gas, sitting in traffic, and warned that rideshare companies could start raising prices because of it.

“A lot of people are going to miss their flights, and it’s going to be hard for everybody,” Lopez said. “Do you know how much gas and time it’s going to take for us to get people to and from the airport? Now, a lot of drivers aren’t going to want to go out there because it’s not worth the money.”

IDOT will have “smart work zone” set up, using changeable message signs to keep drivers aware of incidents and travel times.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Ukraine’s soccer win offers a much-needed reprieve amid the sorrows of conflict.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainians have expressed pride and gratitude toward their…

Critics Accuse Biden of Neglecting Israel and Hostages Amid Escalating Tensions with the Jewish State

JERUSALEM — The Biden administration’s failure on Monday to veto a United…

Officials Investigated Diddy’s Estates Linked to a Sex Trafficking Investigation: Key Details to Understand

LOS ANGELES (AP) — In the first nine months of 2023, Sean…

Police Report: 4 Killed, 5 Injured in Stabbing Incident in Illinois; Suspect Detained

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) Police in Illinois said 4 people, including a mail…

Colorado River Water Conservation Plan Faces Challenges Due to Endangered Desert Pupfish

Maine fishermen aim to sink Biden’s offshore wind farm plan FOX Business’…

Lawsuit Claims Arizona Strip Clubs Duped Customers Out of $1 Million in Complex Scam

Nearly 20 people are suing a chain of Arizona strip clubs after…

Upcoming Fenton High School Update: Special Board Meeting to Review Superintendent James Ongtengco’s Possible Supportive Leave

BENSENVILLE, Ill. (WLS) — There are new developments Wednesday in the ongoing…

Former Senator and 2000 Democratic Vice Presidential Nominee Joe Lieberman Passes Away at Age 82

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) Former U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, who nearly…