CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The City of Chicago will conduct a public safety drill on Thursday, August 27 in the downtown area causing traffic disruptions.
The city said the drill is part of the Chicago’s ongoing effort to "engineer security measures in order to mitigate risk" to the Central Business District.
Critical infrastructure assets will be staged at various access points and the drill will be implemented by city personnel to ensure the safety of large public gatherings and heavily trafficked pedestrian areas.
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The city said the focus of this exercise is to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents, workers, businesses, and peaceful gatherings. Officials said the drill is not in response to any event, but has been planned for weeks as part of our ongoing safety efforts.
The drill will take place within the boundaries of Division Street on the north, Lake Shore Drive on the east, 18th Street on the South, and Clark Street on the west. Access will not be restricted and residents in the area will experience some traffic disruptions from 6-9 p.m. Participating City of Chicago departments include: Office of Emergency Management and Communications, Chicago Police Department, Chicago Fire Department, Chicago Department of Transportation, Streets and Sanitation, Department of Water Management, among others. To receive emergency alerts for updates on street closures and public transportation, subscribe to Chicago’s text or email alert system at NotifyChicago.org or follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) on Facebook and Twitter @ChicagoOEMC.