Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has announced the resumption of rehabilitation work on the Kennedy Expressway, starting March 11. This project is part of the state's Rebuild Illinois capital program and will focus on the reversible express lanes this year. The initiative aims to improve infrastructure from the Edens Expressway junction to Ohio Street.

Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman emphasized the importance of the project, stating, "The Kennedy rehabilitation project is one of hundreds across the state made possible by the governor's Rebuild Illinois capital program that IDOT is committed to delivering as quickly and efficiently as possible." He added that while construction may be inconvenient, it would ultimately result in safer infrastructure for the region.

This marks the second phase of a $150 million effort spanning three construction seasons. Last year's work improved inbound lanes, with plans to address outbound lanes in 2025. Starting March 4, advance work will involve overnight closures between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., including four nights of lane and ramp closures on both Kennedy and Edens expressways.

From March 11, several traffic adjustments will occur:

- Inbound Kennedy and Edens reduced to one lane from before Edens junction to Irving Park Road.

- Closure of reversible express lanes until late fall.

- Intermittent ramp closures at Wilson Avenue (Inbound Edens), Montrose Avenue, and Irving Park Road (Inbound Kennedy).

Further adjustments are scheduled through March 14, with lane reductions and intermittent ramp closures affecting various sections.

Weather conditions may affect scheduling; updates will be provided if necessary. Additional works include bridge cleaning, painting, LED light installation at Hubbard's Cave requiring left lane closures on inbound/outbound Kennedy sections.

Motorists should anticipate delays and consider alternative routes or public transport options like CTA's Blue Line or Metra's Union Pacific Northwest Line during this period.

Rebuild Illinois funds aim to rehabilitate 36 bridge structures along with other improvements such as new signage and modernized lighting. The existing reversible express lane system was last updated in 1996. The ongoing project seeks to enhance safety for over 275,000 daily motorists using this route.

For further details about the project or traffic conditions statewide, IDOT provides resources online at their official website and social media platforms.