Chicago, IL – Relief is coming for drivers on the Kennedy Expressway this week as outbound lanes begin reopening in phases north of Damen Avenue, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). By Friday morning, all local lanes north of North Avenue are expected to be fully open, while express lanes will remain open outbound during the final stages of work through late October.
According to IDOT, several key ramps have already reopened, including Belmont/Kedzie and California Avenue ramps on October 1. More access points will follow this week, with Augusta Boulevard/Milwaukee Avenue and Damen Avenue ramps set to reopen on Sunday, October 5. The Division Street ramp is scheduled to reopen in mid-October.
However, drivers should prepare for new closures as well. The Wilson Avenue exit will close beginning Monday night, October 6, for a two-week repair project.
The Kennedy Expressway reconstruction has been a major source of traffic congestion throughout Chicago, with commuters experiencing heavy delays during peak travel hours. The phased reopenings are expected to ease bottlenecks, but IDOT is reminding motorists to allow extra time and stay alert for lane shifts.
The full project is slated to continue into late October before final completion.
