VIPs allowed to use closed express lanes to avoid traffic – NBC Chicago

More than two dozen busy Chicago streets near the United Center, McCormick Place and in Gold Coast are closed this week for the Democratic National Convention. In addition, sidewalks are closed in many areas and car traffic is restricted.

The closures and increased safety measures come against the backdrop of months of major construction and lane closures on the city’s entrance road and the reversible express lanes of the Kennedy Expressway in Chicago, which will last into the fall.

But not if you are a VIP.

The Illinois Department of Transportation confirmed to NBC 5 traffic reporter Kye Martin on Tuesday that “dignitaries and high-level attendees of the DNC” will be able to use the closed Kennedy Expressways temporarily to avoid congestion and traffic jams. However, the lanes will remain closed to commuters.

“The department has provided some availability for safety reasons, but the express lanes will not be open to the public in any direction during the convention,” an IDOT spokesperson said before referring NBC Chicago to the United States Secret Service for more information.

Kye Martin

IDOT further said the Kennedy Rehabilitation Project, currently in phase two of three, is scheduled to be completed in fall 2025, with construction on the express lanes – also known as the REVLAC system – “on schedule” and expected to be completed later this year, after which the expressway’s exit ramps will be closed.

“Although the roadway is open to traffic, work on the REVLAC system is ongoing and is not currently functioning,” the spokesperson said. “There are also no pavement markings or signage required by federal regulations to open a highway to traffic. As a result, the express lanes cannot be safely reopened to the public and their use is extremely limited.”

In addition to the street closures, military helicopters are also expected to fly over Chicago during the DNC.

Below is a complete list of closures and where to find them, according to the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications:

Road closures in the city centre and on the Gold Coast due to the DNC

1. N. Wabash from E, Chestnut to E Delaware Place from Sunday, August 18 to Wednesday, August 21
2. E. Huron Street from N. Michigan to N. Rush from Sunday, August 18 to Friday, August 23
3. E. Chicago from N. Michigan Avenue to N. Rush Street from Sunday, August 18 to Friday, August 23
4. E. Delaware Place from N. State to N. Rush on Tuesday, August 20.
5. N. Rush from E. Delaware Place to E. Walton on Tuesday, August 20th.
6. E Walton from N State to N Rush on Tuesday, August 20.
7. N State from E Delaware to E Walton on Tuesday, August 20.

Restricted vehicle traffic: Jackson Boulevard from South Damen Avenue to South Wood Street

Road closures near United Center, McCormick Place

Start Thursday, August 15

• West Washington Boulevard from Damen Avenue to South Wood Street
• Damen Avenue from Jackson Boulevard to West Washington Boulevard
• West Warren Boulevard from North Leavitt Street to South Paulina Street
• West Madison Street from North Leavitt Street to South Paulina Street
• West Monroe Street from South Seeley Avenue to South Paulina Street
• West Adams Street from South Seeley Avenue to South Paulina Street
• South Honore Street from West Monroe Street to West Adams Street
• South Wood Street from West Washington Boulevard to West Jackson Boulevard
• South Seeley Avenue from West Madison Street to West Adams Street

Start Saturday, August 17

• Indiana Avenue from 18th to E. 24th Place
• Michigan Avenue from 21st to 25th Street
• Cermak Road from Wabash Avenue to MLK Drive
• 23rd Street from Wabash Avenue to Indiana Avenue
• Prairie Avenue from Cullerton Street to 24th Place
• 24th Street from Wabash Avenue to Indiana Avenue
• Calumet Avenue from Cullerton Street to 24th Place
• 24th Place from Wabash Avenue to MLK Drive
• MLK ride from Cermak Rd. to 25th Street
• E 21st Street closed from S. Michigan Avenue to S. Calumet Avenue.
• E 21st St is open west of S Michigan Avenue to and including S Wabash Avenue and E 21st.

Additionally, no trucks or vehicles larger than cars are allowed on I-55 between DuSable Lake Shore Drive and South State Street in either direction.