Chicago’s drivers are facing an unprecedented wave of major road construction projects in the city and surrounding areas. From expressway overhauls to bridge replacements, there’s a lot in store that could affect your daily commute. What major road construction is in store for Chicago? We’ve compiled the top 10 projects you need to know about, along with how they might impact traffic and safety. With so much construction, it’s crucial to stay prepared on the road and keep your insurance up to date.
Call Insure on the Spot in Chicago at 773-202-5060 for local auto coverage that keeps you protected amid all these changes.
1. Kennedy Expressway Reconstruction
The Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94) is undergoing a massive multi-year rehabilitation. This project stretches from the Edens Expressway junction on the North Side down to Hubbard’s Cave near downtown. Phase 1 finished in late 2023, and phase 2 began in 2024, focusing on the reversible express lanes. Work includes rehabilitating 36 bridges, repaving lanes, and upgrading lighting and signs along this busy corridor. Drivers heading to and from O’Hare International Airport or downtown Chicago should expect lane closures and slower traffic through 2025 as crews finish the job.
- Timeline: Ongoing since 2023, with completion expected by late 2025.
- Impact on drivers: Significant lane reductions and occasional full ramp closures are causing heavy delays, especially during rush hour. Plan for extra travel time or consider alternate routes like Ashland Avenue or Elston Avenue when possible. Driving cautiously is vital – construction zone speed limits are enforced, and penalties in Illinois work zones are steep for speeding.
2. Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Expansion Project
The Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294), which arcs around Chicago’s western suburbs, is in the midst of a $4 billion expansion and reconstruction. This project aims to add lanes and improve interchange bottlenecks on the 22-mile stretch from near Balmoral Avenue (O’Hare area) down to 95th Street. The Tri-State is a critical route for Chicagoland drivers, carrying over 300,000 vehicles daily around the city. Construction crews are rebuilding bridges, widening the roadway, and implementing new drainage to reduce flooding.
- Timeline: Construction has been ongoing since 2018 and is slated to wrap up around 2025-2026. Portions of the new lanes and interchanges will open in stages as they are completed.
- Impact on drivers: Expect shifting traffic patterns, narrowed lanes, and occasional overnight lane closures. Travel to Chicago’s southwest suburbs or Indiana via I-294 will be slower during peak hours. Tollway officials are using traffic shifts to keep three lanes open each way when possible, but drivers should remain alert for sudden merges or reduced speed limits in work zones. Planning can help you avoid delays – for example, consider using I-355 or I-90/I-290 as alternative bypasses around the city if congestion on I-294 is severe.
3. Lake Street Bridge Replacement (Downtown)
Downtown Chicago’s Lake Street Bridge, a 107-year-old double-deck bascule bridge over the Chicago River, is set for a major overhaul. Starting in 2024, the city began a two-year project to completely replace the aging bridge span and upgrade its mechanical and electrical systems. This bridge carries both vehicle traffic and CTA Green/Pink Line trains, making it a uniquely critical piece of infrastructure. During construction, Lake Street is closed between Canal Street and Wacker Drive for about 18 months, forcing drivers to detour. Eastbound cars are rerouted to cross the river at Washington Street, and westbound traffic uses Madison Street during the closure.
- Timeline: Expected start in 2024 with completion in 2026. Two intensive 12-day shutdowns of CTA train service will occur to swap out each half of the bridge span (one in mid-project, one later on).
- Impact on drivers and transit: Significant detours in the Loop; pedestrians and cyclists are also redirected via adjacent bridges. If you commute via the Green or Pink Line, be prepared for temporary bus shuttles during train line closures. Drivers should plan alternate routes and allow extra time when navigating this part of downtown. Bridge work of this scale can cause traffic backups on surrounding streets like Randolph and Clark, so stay patient and follow posted signs.
4. Chicago Avenue Bridge & Halsted Street Viaduct Project
Another major downtown project is the reconstruction of the Chicago Avenue Bridge over the river and the connected Halsted Street viaduct on the Near North/West Side. Starting in August 2025, this project will replace the temporary Chicago Avenue bridge (installed after an old bridge was removed) with a new permanent tied-arch bridge. Along with that, the adjacent elevated viaduct where Halsted Street rises to meet Chicago Avenue will be completely rebuilt. The city is also adding a new riverwalk connection under the bridge, modernizing traffic signals, installing brighter street lighting, and even creating dedicated CTA bus lanes on Chicago Avenue, plus protected bike lanes on Halsted.
- Traffic impacts: Beginning August 4, 2025, Halsted Street will close in both directions at the construction site. Traffic is being detoured: northbound drivers are sent east on Grand Ave, north on Orleans, then west on Division to reconnect with Halsted (and vice versa for southbound). Chicago Avenue will remain partially open with one lane each way until fall 2025, but eventually, Chicago Avenue itself will face a full closure for a period to allow bridge installation.
- Local effect: This is in a busy area between River North, Fulton Market, and West Town. Drivers should anticipate new bottlenecks on Grand, Division, and nearby streets due to detours. If you normally travel through the Chicago/Halsted intersection, plan and consider alternative east-west routes like North Avenue or Division Street during full closures. Patience is key, as this project runs through late 2026.
5. Jackson Park Transportation Improvements (South Lakefront)
On the South Side, Jackson Park and the surrounding area are seeing major road changes as part of the Obama Presidential Center development and related city improvements. Since 2022, crews have been reconfiguring roads in and around Jackson Park to improve traffic flow and pedestrian access to the upcoming center. Several streets in the park are being upgraded or moved, and new pathways are being added to better connect neighborhoods like Woodlawn to the lakefront. For example, portions of Cornell Drive and Marquette Drive were permanently altered or closed to create more green space, and Stony Island Avenue is being widened and improved to handle extra traffic. These changes aim to streamline travel and enhance safety for park visitors and commuters alike.
- Timeline: Work in Jackson Park is a multi-phase effort running from 2022 through 2025 (and beyond). Through the first half of 2024 and into 2025, expect continued paving, utility installation, and landscaping around Stony Island Avenue south of 64th Street. As the Obama Center construction progresses, roadwork will continue to adapt the surrounding streets.
- Impact on drivers: If you drive through Chicago’s South Shore or Hyde Park neighborhoods, you may have already noticed detours or closures in Jackson Park. Watch for new traffic patterns around 59th to 65th Streets, especially on Stony Island Ave, Lake Shore Drive, and South Midway Plaisance. Slower speeds and temporary stop signs or signals are likely in effect. It’s wise to give yourself extra time when traveling near the park, and stay alert for pedestrians and cyclists as the area transitions to a more pedestrian-friendly design.
6. Dan Ryan Expressway Repairs at Roosevelt Road
The Dan Ryan Expressway (I-90/94), which carries traffic on Chicago’s South Side, has its construction activity. In 2024, IDOT launched a project to resurface the bridge deck at Roosevelt Road on the Dan Ryan (just south of downtown near the Chinatown/Loop area). While not as large-scale as the Kennedys’ overhaul, this maintenance is essential to keep the busy interchange safe. The work involves repairing the concrete deck and joints where Roosevelt Road crosses over the Dan Ryan, as well as any necessary patching on the ramps. The project is relatively short-term and focused, but even minor lane closures on the Dan Ryan can cause notable slowdowns for commuters.
- Timeline: Construction on the Dan Ryan at Roosevelt began in spring 2024 and is expected to wrap up by fall 2024.
- Impact on drivers: Lane closures mostly occur during off-peak or overnight hours for this project, but occasional daytime lane shifts have happened. If you’re coming into downtown from the South Side via I-90/94, keep an eye out for reduced speed limits and workers near the Roosevelt interchange. Since this work is at a key access point to downtown, traffic may back up onto the expressway and nearby streets like Canalport Avenue or Clark Street when lanes are closed. Planning a slightly earlier commute or using alternate routes such as State Street or Lake Shore Drive for downtown access could save time while this repair is completed.
7. Eisenhower Expressway Bridge Replacements (I-290)
Drivers on the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) on Chicago’s West Side will also encounter construction, particularly related to bridge improvements. Two aging overpass structures are scheduled for replacement: the bridge at Independence Boulevard and the bridge at Ashland Avenue. These projects are part of ongoing efforts to modernize the I-290 corridor after the massive Jane Byrne Interchange rebuild. The Independence Blvd bridge (near Garfield Park) will be completely rebuilt, with detours planned once demolition begins. At Ashland Avenue (near the Illinois Medical District), the expressway’s bridge superstructure is being replaced to improve safety and durability.
- Timeline: The Ashland Avenue bridge work began in late 2024 and will continue through late 2025. The Independence Blvd bridge replacement is slated to kick off in late 2025 and should finish by 2027.
- Impact on drivers: Expect periodic lane closures on I-290, especially during overnight hours, as beams are removed and replaced. When the Independence Blvd bridge work starts, portions of Independence or nearby ramps may close, requiring detours for local traffic. Commuters driving between downtown and western suburbs might experience slower traffic near these work zones. It’s a good idea to stay informed via IDOT’s traffic alerts or the Getting Around Illinois website so you’re aware of major closures on the Eisenhower. If you normally exit at Ashland or Independence, prepare for possible rerouting and give yourself extra time.
8. Stevenson Expressway Upgrades (I-55 at Cicero and Beyond)
Looking a few years ahead, big changes are planned for the Stevenson Expressway (I-55) near Chicago. The most significant is a full bridge replacement at Cicero Avenue (Illinois Route 50) on the Southwest Side. Cicero Avenue is a busy exit (Exit 286) serving areas like the Midway Airport vicinity and Cicero/Archer Heights neighborhoods. IDOT plans to tear down and rebuild the aging I-55 bridge over Cicero, a project that will require ramp closures and likely traffic detours on Cicero Avenue below. Additionally, the Stevenson will undergo extensive maintenance from Cicero Ave all the way inbound to the Chinatown feeder ramps – including resurfacing the road, fixing bridge joints, and improving drainage. These efforts will ensure I-55 remains safe and smooth for the tens of thousands of drivers who use it daily, but some short-term pain is inevitable once work begins.
- Timeline: The Cicero Avenue bridge replacement is set to begin in late 2027 and is targeted for completion by late 2029. The broader I-55 rehabilitation from Cicero to downtown is expected to start around 2027 as well and stretch into 2030. While these dates are a bit down the road, planning and utility work might start sooner, so this is on Chicago’s radar now.
- Impact on drivers: When these projects kick off, expect major traffic pattern changes on I-55. There could be long-term lane shifts and reduced lanes, especially around the Cicero interchange. Cicero Avenue itself will likely have closures or width restrictions under I-55, affecting local traffic to Midway Airport and nearby shopping centers. For Chicago drivers, once this work starts, taking alternate expressways (like I-290 or I-294) or using arterial routes (e.g., Archer Avenue or 47th Street) might be necessary to avoid the worst jams. Keep an eye on IDOT announcements as 2027 approaches so you’re not caught off guard by the start of construction.
9. 95th Street and Stony Island Intersection Rebuild
Another future project will transform a key intersection on Chicago’s far South Side: 95th Street (U.S. 12) at Stony Island Avenue. This busy junction in the South Deering/South Chicago area is not only a crossing of two major roads but also involves railroad tracks and ramps to the Chicago Skyway nearby. The planned project is extensive – it will replace the bridges in the area (likely including the 95th St bridge over the railroad), rebuild the intersection for smoother turns, upgrade the drainage with a new pump station, and install better lighting. Essentially, by 2026-2027, this whole intersection and interchange will be modernized to improve traffic flow and safety for motorists and pedestrians.
- Timeline: Construction is expected to start in spring 2026 and finish by fall 2027. Preparatory work may occur in 2025, such as utility relocation or site clearing.
- Impact on drivers: While work is underway, drivers in neighborhoods like Jeffery Manor, Calumet Heights, and those heading to the far Southeast Side will likely face detours. Partial closures of 95th Street or Stony Island are possible, meaning traffic might be routed to nearby parallel roads (for example, 91st or 103rd for east-west traffic, or South Chicago Avenue as an alternate north-south route). The 95th/Stony Island area often connects commuters to I-94 (Bishop Ford Freeway) and the Skyway, so disruption here could have wider effects on regional travel. Patience will be important, as will caution: large construction equipment and lane shifts at this complex intersection will require attentive driving. Ultimately, the improvements should ease chronic congestion where these routes meet once the project is completed.
10. Downtown Bridge Repairs and Closures (State Street & Ohio Street)
In addition to the big bridge replacements mentioned above, downtown Chicago has other bridge projects that drivers need to know about. Two notable ones are the State Street Bascule Bridge and the Ohio Street Bridge:
- State Street Bridge (Over Chicago River): This historic drawbridge in the heart of downtown experienced structural issues, leading to emergency repairs in 2025. The city had to implement a full closure of State Street at the river (between Wacker Drive and Kinzie Street) for several months. That meant vehicles and buses could not cross the river on State Street, causing traffic to divert to Clark Street or LaSalle Street bridges. The closure is expected to last until mid-November 2025 while crews reinforce the steel and mechanical components. Pedestrians in the Loop also had to reroute to adjacent bridges.
- Ohio Street Bridge (at North Branch): On the Near North Side, the Ohio Street bridge over the North Branch of the Chicago River (near Orleans Street and the Ontario feeder ramp) is undergoing repairs. This bridge is a critical part of the Ohio-Ontario one-way pair that connects the Kennedy Expressway to downtown. Repair work is starting in 2025, aiming to strengthen the structure and extend its life. Construction will sometimes reduce Ohio Street to a single lane or require brief closures as crews work, with completion slated for late 2025. Drivers using the Ontario feeder to exit downtown or those coming in on Ohio Street should prepare for bottlenecks near the river.
Impact on drivers: Downtown bridge repairs can sneak up on commuters – one day, your usual river crossing might be unexpectedly closed. It’s wise to stay flexible and informed. For the State Street Bridge closure, drivers in 2025 should use alternate north-south streets (like Clark, Dearborn, or Michigan Avenue) to get between the Loop and River North. For Ohio Street, if delays mount, consider exit options before downtown (like exiting at Augusta or Division and approaching downtown from the west or north). Always heed posted detour signs and give yourself a few extra minutes when traveling through downtown Chicago’s maze of drawbridges, especially during construction season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How does all this road construction affect Chicago car insurance rates?
A: Major construction can indirectly affect insurance if it leads to more accidents or claims. With lanes narrowed and traffic rerouted, fender-benders in work zones have been known to increase, which could push local insurance costs upward over time. While insurers don’t raise rates just because roads are under construction, any spike in accidents or traffic violations (like work zone speeding tickets) in Chicago may eventually be reflected in premiums. The best strategy is to drive cautiously in construction areas to avoid accidents and keep your record clean.
Q: What are the penalties for speeding in a construction zone in Illinois?
A: Illinois has strict penalties for work zone speeding to protect workers and drivers. For a first offense, fines start at $250, and for a second offense jump to at least $750. If workers are present and you’re caught speeding twice within two years, you could even face a 90-day driver’s license suspension. At extremely high speeds (35+ mph over the work zone limit), it becomes a misdemeanor with potential heavy fines ($2,500) and possible jail time. In short, slow down in every construction zone — it’s safer for everyone and will save you from costly tickets or worse.
Q: How can I avoid accidents or delays during Chicago road construction?
A: Plan and stay informed. Check the City of Chicago’s construction update websites or apps like ChiStreetWork for real-time information on road projects and closures. Give yourself extra travel time so you’re not tempted to speed or drive recklessly if you hit a detour. If a major route on your commute is under construction, map out an alternate path beforehand (even if it’s longer, it might be safer and less stressful). Finally, be patient and keep a safe following distance in work zones — sudden stops or lane shifts are common, and defensive driving will help you avoid fender-benders.
Q: Are Chicago drivers required to move over for construction workers and vehicles?
A: Yes, Illinois law (Scott’s Law, also known as the “Move Over” law) requires drivers to slow down and change lanes (if possible) when approaching any stationary vehicle with flashing lights, including construction crews and maintenance vehicles. Failing to move over or slow down can result in steep fines up to $10,000, as well as a possible license suspension, because the law is designed to protect roadside workers. Always stay alert for orange cones, warning signs, and flashing arrow boards. If you see them, reduce your speed significantly and merge away from the work zone lane to give crews a safe buffer.
Q: Does my auto insurance cover damage from road construction (like potholes or debris)?
A: It depends on your coverage. Comprehensive and collision insurance are key for these scenarios. If your car is struck by construction debris or you hit a big pothole and sustain damage, collision coverage typically helps pay for repairs. Comprehensive coverage may cover non-collision incidents (for example, if fresh tar or materials damage your paint). Liability-only policies won’t cover damage to your vehicle from these hazards. It’s a good idea to review your policy or talk to your agent to make sure you have the protection you need, especially with all the construction around Chicago’s roads.
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