CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - The reprieve was nice while it lasted.
After a three month break, the major Kennedy Expressway construction project will resume on the night of March 11, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced. The first morning commute to be impacted will be Tuesday, March 12.
This next phase of the three-year project will be conducted in the reversible express lanes and is not expected to be completed until late this fall. During this period, all Kennedy express lanes in both directions will be closed.
It’s all part of the $150 million reconstruction from the Edens Expressway junction to Ohio Street.
IDOT said the mild winter weather has enabled them to restart the project earlier than originally planned.
“While we understand construction can be inconvenient, we are taking advantage of the warm weather to start early,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “The end result will be safer, more resilient infrastructure for the region long after the cones and barricades are removed.”
Starting Monday, March 4, advance work will begin and drivers should expect overnight closures in the reversible express lanes.
Beginning the next week, March 11, there will be four straight nights of lane and ramp closures in both directions. This will start the complete shut down of the reversible express lanes.
IDOT says drivers should anticipate major delays and build in extra time.
Here is a complete breakdown of the second phase’s first four days, March 11-14:
Monday, March 11
-Starting at 9 p.m., the inbound Kennedy and Edens will gradually be reduced to one lane from just before the Edens junction to Irving Park Road (Illinois 19).
-At the same time, the reversible express lanes will fully close. They are anticipated to reopen in late fall.
-The following intermittent ramp closures also will take place.
-Inbound Edens: Wilson Avenue
- Inbound Kennedy: Montrose Avenue and Irving Park Road
Tuesday, March 12
-Starting at 9 p.m., the outbound Kennedy will be reduced to two lanes between North (Illinois 64) and Fullerton avenues.
-At the same time, outbound Kennedy intermittent ramp closures between North and Fullerton avenues also will take place.
Wednesday, March 13
-Starting at 9 p.m., the inbound Kennedy will gradually be reduced to one lane from Milwaukee Avenue to Lake Street.
-At the same time, the outbound Kennedy between Madison Street and Milwaukee Avenue also will be reduced to one lane.
Thursday, March 14
-Starting at 9 p.m., the outbound Kennedy will gradually be reduced to one lane between North and Fullerton avenues.
-At the same time, intermittent outbound Kennedy ramp closures between North and Fullerton avenues will also take place.
In December, 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 next year, 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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