The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has announced the completion of the first phase of rehabilitation of the Kennedy Expressway. Construction has been focused on the rehabilitation of bridges and improvements to the inbound lanes. IDOT claims the project will improve traffic flow, safety, and reliability for the more than 275,000 drivers who use the expressway every day.
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Phase 2 and 3 of the project
Next year, IDOT plans to close the reversible express lanes to upgrade the system that controls the gates to the express lanes. Work on the bridge structures will be performed. Additionally, pavement patching also be done. Mainline lane closures should also be expected for the installation of new LED lighting in both directions of Hubbard’s Cave. If crews can stick to the schedule, this second construction phase will wrap up by fall 2024.
The third construction season has been planned for 2025. It will focus on the outbound lanes. Two lanes will be closed at a time and there will be additional overnight and ramp closures needed to complete the work. To control traffic during this season, the express lanes will be set for outbound traffic. Furthermore, work on the LED lighting in Hubbard’s Cave will continue on the outbound lanes this season as well. Like the first two years, crews are expected to finish this work by the fall of 2025.
When the Kennedy Expressway rehabilitation is expected to be completed
The entire project is set to be completed in December of 2025. The Kennedy Expressway opened back in 1960, with its latest major rehab dating back to 1994, carved through the northwest neighbourhoods of Chicago.
Total costs for the project
The total cost for the project is estimated to be $150 million. It will involve the rehabilitation of 36 bridge structures along the stretch. Moreover, the replacement of overhead signage, installation of new signs and LED lights, patching of pavement, and structural painting.
