Kennedy Expressway Construction Complete, Will Fully Open Later Today
By Jon Graef in News on Jun 22, 2014 3:45PM
What was dubbed a potential carmaggedeon turned out to be anything but. Illinois Department of Transportation officials told media outlets that not only was construction on the Kennedy complete, but also that all ramps and bridges near the Ohio Street interchange would be open later Sunday.
The major construction on the Kennedy Expressway involved demolishing and completely rebuilding the Ontario Street feeder ramps and the Ohio Street Bridge. The project was thought to take three weekends, and estimate which was reduced to two weekends due to how well the project was proceeding.
Here's what DNAinfo said happened:
The final portion of the Ontario Street bridge was removed overnight Saturday, and the closures that many worried would create nightmare traffic scenarios the last two weeks opened about 7:30 a.m. Sunday.All lanes and ramps near the Ohio Street interchange will open later in the Sunday, Illinois Department of Transportation officials said.
Of course, driving on the Kennedy wasn't all fun and games despite the good progress, as the Tribune notes:
On Saturday, there was inconvenience and driver frustration, with many city streets approaching downtown on Saturday, including Grand Avenue, Ontario Street and Halsted Street, fouled up due to expressway closures. But for a large part of the day, westbound traffic that was diverted to two lanes on the Ohio Street feeder ramp for the detour moved as quickly as could be expected.
While the roadway will open up, lDOT says to expect delays all the same. So take CTA, bike, stay home or plan a different route.