CHICAGO (WBBM Newsradio) – Additional street closures and parking restrictions took effect Monday on Chicago's South Side as preparations continue for the grand opening of the Obama Presidential Center later this week.
The City of Chicago is advising motorists to expect increased traffic and delays around Jackson Park and the University of Chicago area as security measures ramp up ahead of Thursday's opening ceremony.
Beginning at 6 a.m. Monday, closures and restrictions took effect on several roadways surrounding the center, including:
- Midway Plaisance from Dorchester Avenue to Stony Island Avenue, both eastbound and westbound, through Friday evening.
- Blackstone Avenue from 59th Street to Midway Plaisance through Friday evening.
- Cornell Drive from Stony Island Avenue to 57th Street through Friday evening.
- Stony Island Avenue from Midway Plaisance to 63rd Street through Friday evening.
- Stony Island Avenue from 59th Street to 57th Street through Friday evening.
- Eastbound 59th Street from Harper Avenue to Stony Island Avenue through Friday evening.
Additional restrictions that began Monday and are scheduled to remain in place through Saturday night include:
- Midway Plaisance from Woodlawn Avenue to Blackstone Avenue.
- Dorchester Avenue from 59th Street to 60th Street.
City officials are encouraging visitors to use public transportation whenever possible and allow extra travel time. Traffic Control Aides are stationed throughout the area to help manage congestion and direct motorists around impacted streets.
The increased security presence comes as former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama have returned to Chicago. The pair recently toured the completed campus and visited community spaces, including a new playground and full-size basketball court.
The Obama Presidential Center officially opens Thursday with a ceremony featuring the former president and first lady. The campus will open to the public Friday.
The $850 million center includes a museum dedicated to Obama's presidency, a branch of the Chicago Public Library, public gathering spaces, green areas and recreational facilities.
