Pump the brakes: IDOT delays reopening of Kennedy express lanes

Traffic on the Kennedy Expressway in Chicago at sunset
Traffic on the Kennedy Expressway in Chicago at sunset Photo credit Getty Images

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Commuters who drive the Kennedy Expressway will need to remain patient for a little longer.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced Tuesday the reversible express lanes will not reopen until mid-January, later than originally anticipated.

IDOT had planned to reopen the lanes by the end of the fall.

Citing issues with the electrical system and components that run the express lanes, IDOT says they need to conduct further testing on the gates.

They are targeting the week of Jan. 13 to reopen the lanes.

Since March, the reversible express lanes have been completely shut down.

It’s all part of phase two of the $150 million reconstruction from the Edens Expressway junction to Ohio Street.

Last year, IDOT completed the first phase, with improvements made to the inbound lanes. For nine months, drivers experienced multiple lane closures into downtown.

The final phase is expected to start in 2025, with the construction shifting to the outbound Kennedy.

In addition to rehabbing the express lanes, the Kennedy project includes repairs to 36 bridges, pavement patching, installation of new signage and LED lights as well as improvements to Hubbard’s Cave, from Grand Avenue to Wayment Street.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Getty Images