Natalia Chi
The Kennedy Expressway construction project, which will cause many commuters to experience ‘significant delays’ for years, is set to begin Monday, but commuters will soon experience traffic impacts. I don’t think so.
This is because the shutdown will begin at 10pm on Monday and the first part of the work will simply be ‘placing the work zone’.
“Work will initially include setting up a work zone and gradually reducing the inbound Kennedy’s 7.5-mile section to two lanes,” the Illinois Department of Transportation said in a release. “The crew will set up the barrier from Edens Junction south to Ohio Street. The process will run from 10 p.m. Expected. Location.”
For weeks, authorities have warned of possible “significant delays” due to upcoming roadworks and urged drivers to seek alternative routes or modes of transport.
The closure will affect both inbound and outbound commuters on the highway through 2025.
“Drivers should expect significant delays and allow extra time to traverse this area,” IDOT said in a release. , they are asked to follow posted speed limits and be mindful of workers and equipment.Public transport and off-peak travel is encouraged where possible.”
The estimated $150 million project includes “rehabilitation of 36 bridge structures and Reversible Lane Access Control (REVLAC) systems, replacement of overhead signage structures, installation of new signage and modernized LED lighting, and pavement patching.” and structural paint. According to IDOT, Hubbard’s Cavern from Grand Avenue to Wayman Street will also be painted and will have new LED lighting installed.
Overall, the work is done in three stages. Here’s what IDOT expects:
Stage I – Inbound Kennedy
2 lanes on the main line will be closed at the same time. To minimize the impact on traffic, The reversible express lane remains open in the inbound direction and drivers cannot exit the express lane until Armitage Avenue.Lane shifts and nighttime lane closures will be required in addition to various ramp closures to complete the work.. Later this summer, painting and new LED lighting installation will begin at Inbound Hubbard’s Cavern between Ohio and Lake streets. Construction is expected to be completed this fall, when all lanes and ramps will be reopened and express lanes will resume normal operation.
Stage II – Reversible Express Lanes
Reversible fast lanes will be closed to accommodate the REVLAC system and bridge structural repairs and pavement patching. Additionally, highway closures will be required to accommodate. Painting and installing new LED lighting on both sides of Hubbard’s Cavern between Ohio and Lake streetsConstruction is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2024 and be completed in the fall of 2024.
Stage III – Outbound Kennedy
The reversible express lanes remain open in the outbound direction, but the mainline outbound lanes are closed two at a time. Completing the work will require lane shifts and nighttime lane closures in addition to various ramp closures. Additionally, new LED lighting installation and painting will be completed at Outbound His Hubbard’s Cavern between Ohio and Lake streets. Construction will begin in spring 2025 and is expected to be completed in late fall 2025.
