CHICAGO (WLS) — The barricades are up and it’s the first morning of Tuesday’s construction project for the Kennedy Expressway.
Works begin due to bridge decks which are in poor condition. Thirty-six bridge structures will be repaired, along with overhead sign structures, new LED lights, sidewalk repairs and more.
IDOT crews began setting up overnight. Two left lanes now lead from Montrose to Irving Park. By the end of this week it will extend to Hubbard’s cave.
Reconstruction of the Kennedy Expressway in Chicago
Chicago’s Kennedy Expressway Stem
The three-year, $150 million term will be delivered in three phases. First the inbound lanes this year, then the turning lanes in 2024, followed by the outbound lanes in 2025.
During this first phase, the express lanes will remain inbound throughout the first phase of the project, which was expected to last one year.
SEE MORE: IDOT Commences 3-Year Project for 36 Bridges Across Kennedy Expressway; closures expected
“These incoming Kennedy motorists will definitely see the impact. You’ll also see the impact on outbound motorists anytime you would normally have those extra two lanes, so during those afternoon and evening streams,” said IDOT spokeswoman Maria Castaneda.
IDOT suggests either leaving home earlier or shifting your drive time if you can. Otherwise, CTA and Metra could be a good option. Metra is even adding more trains to its UP Northwest Lines.
Other possible alternatives are the Eisenhower Expressway or the DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
No major work has been done on the 63-year-old expressway for almost 30 years.
IDOT will have set up a “smart work zone” using interchangeable information signs to keep drivers updated on incidents and journey times.
More information about the project can be found here.