Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has announced a major rehabilitation project for the Kennedy Expressway, set to begin on March 20, weather permitting. The project spans from the Edens Expressway junction to Ohio Street and is expected to cause significant travel delays. Motorists are encouraged to consider alternative routes.

The $150 million project involves rehabilitating 36 bridge structures, updating the Reversible Lane Access Control (REVLAC) system, replacing overhead sign structures, installing new signage and LED lights, pavement patching, and structural painting. Additionally, Hubbard's Cave will receive new paint and LED lighting.

The construction will occur over three seasons in three stages:

- **Stage I - Inbound Kennedy**: Two mainline inbound lanes will be closed at a time while keeping reversible express lanes open inbound. Lane shifts and overnight closures are expected. This stage includes painting and LED installation in Hubbard's Cave between Ohio and Lake streets. Completion is anticipated by fall.

- **Stage II - Reversible Express Lanes**: These lanes will close for REVLAC system rehabilitation along with bridge work and pavement patching. Mainline lane closures will facilitate painting and LED installation in both directions of Hubbard's Cave. This stage is scheduled for spring 2024 through fall 2024.

- **Stage III - Outbound Kennedy**: Two outbound lanes will close at a time while reversible express lanes remain open outbound. This stage also includes lane shifts, overnight closures, painting, and LED installation in Hubbard's Cave. It is planned for spring 2025 through late fall 2025.

Motorists should prepare for delays and allow extra travel time through the area. IDOT advises drivers to heed flaggers and signs in work zones, adhere to speed limits, and stay alert for workers and equipment. Public transportation or traveling during non-peak hours is recommended if possible.

Opened in November 1960 with its last major update in 1994, the Kennedy Expressway serves over 275,000 motorists daily. The current project aims to enhance safety, traffic flow, and reliability.

As part of Rebuild Illinois' $33.2 billion investment into transportation infrastructure over six years, IDOT plans improvements across more than 2,500 miles of roads statewide along with nearly 10 million square feet of bridges.

For further details on this project or traffic conditions statewide visit IDOT’s website or follow them on social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter.