CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — City officials on Friday announced plans to control traffic over the weekend, in the wake of Mexican Independence Day caravans and celebrations that have created logjams in and around downtown Chicago.
Chicago Police and the city's Office of Emergency Management and Communications said authorities will implement “rolling closures” on major streets and roads that include DuSable Lake Shore Drive; Roosevelt Road, Michigan Avenue, Ida B. Wells Drive and Columbus Drive.
The closures will be imposed Friday night and possibly through the weekend, officials said.
Residents who need access to areas affected by the traffic closures must show identification to police officers to prove they work or live there.
First Deputy Police Supt. Eric Carter said the caravans celebrating Mexican Independence Day have been larger this year. While celebrants were focused the past couple of years in "outlying communities," this year more vehicles have come downtown, he told reporters.
“We’re not discouraging celebration. We’re encouraging a peaceful celebration,” Carter said. “Unfortunately, things have evolved into a more chaotic situation than what would typically be. The numbers have increased — and thus the reason.”
The Illinois State Police was available to assist the Chicago Police Department with traffic enforcement.
Other events in the city -- including concerts at Wrigley Field -- have contributed to traffic issues.