Q. What adjustments are being made this year to accerlerate 2025 construction?

A. A revised traffic stage is being reviewed to allow for early completion of the north end of the project from Addison Street to Wilson Avenue and a proposal by the contractor is being reviewed.

Q. When will the last phase be complete?

A. The anticipated completed date is Thanksgiving. 

Q. How long will the project last?

A. The project is on track to be completed in three years, from 2023 to 2025.

Q. Has the overall cost of the project increased from $150 million?

A. At the beginning of Year Three, the estimated cost of the project is $169 million. Extra work was added to the project for additional pavement and bridge repairs.

Q. Why is this work being done now?

A. The 50-year-old bridge structures along the Kennedy Expressway were last repaired in 2013 and are due for rehabilitation. 

Q. What is the scope of the work being done?

A. Over three years, 36 bridge structures are being rehabilitated over the Interstate 90-94 Kennedy Expressway. Additional work includes pavement patching, REVLAC system rehabilitation, overhead sign structure replacements, LED lighting improvements and structural painting. In 2023 and 2024, construction on the inbound lanes and REVLAC system were completed. Outbound lane construction will be completed in 2025.

Q. What are the major benefits of this project?

A. Once completed, this project will reduce maintenance costs, increase safety and provide improved traffic flow for I-90/I-94.

Q. Are there any additional benefits of this rehabilitation?

A. We are using latex concrete that will have a lifespan of up to 25 years.

Q. What is the average daily traffic for I-90?

A. Approximately 275,000 vehicles a day.

Q. Will there be any impacts to the CTA Blue Line during construction?

A.  No. In fact, we encourage commuters and travelers to look at other transportation options like the CTA and Metra during construction. 

Q. How do I access O’Hare or 290 during the last phase of construction in 2025?

A. Stay in the reversible lanes and exit onto westbound Foster Avenue then head to the westbound Kennedy ramp.

Q. Who will be impacted the most by this work?

A. Daily commuters, commercial traffic and people traveling through the area.

Q. What is being done to minimize the impact to traffic in the area?

A. We are ensuring that four lanes of traffic will be available for inbound and outbound travelers during construction. Each stage will only last one construction season and work is not expected to extend into the winter, which will help to mitigate traffic impacts during winter months.

Q. Will the outbound traffic pattern be the same throughout the duration of the project?

A. This contrast consists of multiple stages. The public will be informed of any changes before they take effect.

Q. How many outbound and inbound lanes will be open in 2025?

A. Four lanes will remain open at all times with intermittent nightly lane closures. 

Q. Will the reversible lanes be open for inbound and outbound use during 2025 construction?

A. The express lanes will remain open outbound throughout the 2025 construction season.

• Stage I (March – Mid-July): Two left lanes closed on the mainline. The express lanes will exit onto the Edens Expressway only, with no entry or exits at the mid-gate. Once in the express lanes, the first available exit is Foster Avenue. If motorists want to head toward O’Hare Airport, they must stay on the mainline Kennedy. There is no express lane exit for O’Hare traffic.
• Stage II (Mid-July – Thanksgiving): Two right lines closed on the mainline from Division Avenue to north end of project with various ramp closures. The express lanes will continue operating outbound. However, outbound traffic will be permitted to exit at Keeler Avenue/Kostner Avenue back onto the mainline Kennedy and Edens Expressways. Traffic will also be permitted to exit toward O’Hare and the Edens Expressway where the express lanes end.

Q. How many ramp exits/entrances will be closed? How long will ramps be closed?

A. The project includes the closure of 26 entrances and exit ramps for varying durations. As closure dates approach, press releases will provide details on the specific ramps affected and the timeframe for each closure.

Q. Why are there additional projects happening at the same time as the Kennedy Rehabilitation project?

A. Due to temperature restrictions of the materials needed to complete the bridge repairs, these projects could not take place over the winter months. Every effort will be made to have the least possible impacts to the public and to complete the repairs as quickly and safely as possible.

Q. Is the Foster Avenue bridge work part of the overall Kennedy project?

A. No. This is a separate project that is located north and west on the ongoing Kennedy rehabilitation, after the Kennedy and Edens split. It started in 2024 and is taking place simultaneously with the Kennedy project. The project is replacing the bridge carrying Foster Avenue over the Kennedy Expressway and is expected to be completed in summer 2026. 

Q. What is the traffic impacts for the Foster Avenue bridge work be?

A. Foster Avenue is closed at the bridge over the Kennedy. A detour is in effect directing traffic to Nagle, Bryn Mawr, Milwaukee and Central Avenues. The Foster Avenue ramps to and from the Kennedy will remain open during the first phase of construction.

Q. Will the ramps at Foster Avenue close?

A. In early spring, the westbound Foster Avenue ramp to outbound Kennedy will be closed for approximately three to four months.

Q. Are there any other closures related to the Foster Avenue project?

A. The public should also expect various overnight lane closures on the Kennedy at Foster Avenue during construction. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area.

Q. Is the Ohio and Ontario Streets feeder ramp work part of the Kennedy project? 

A. No. This is a separate project that started in 2024 and is taking place simultaneously with the Kennedy project. This project is repairing the bridges carrying Ohio and Ontario streets over the North Branch of the Chicago River, Union Pacific Railroad and Kingsbury Street and is expected to be completed Spring 2026.

Q. What are the traffic impacts for the Ohio and Ontario feeder ramps bridge work?

A. During construction, Ohio and Ontario streets will be reduced from three to two lanes between the Kennedy and Orleans Street. Motorists also should expect various lane shifts on both streets approaching the bridges.

Q. Are there any other closures related to the Ohio and Ontario feeder project?

A. In addition, occasional overnight full closures will be required to complete the work. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area.

Q. Is the Addison Street bridge work part of the overall Kennedy project?

A. No. This is a separate project starting May 12, and will be taking place simultaneously with the Kennedy project. The project is repairing the bridge carrying Addison Street over the Kennedy Expressway. Construction is expected to complete in September.

Q. What are the traffic impacts for the Addison Street bridge?

A. To complete the work, Addison Street will be reduced from two lanes to one in each direction approaching the bridge, with lane widths reduced to 9 feet and 6 inches. Motorists should also expect various lane shifts on both sides of Addison Street approaching the bridge.

Q. Are there impacts to the ramps at Addison?

A. Throughout construction, the outbound and inbound Kennedy ramps to eastbound and westbound Addison Street will be right turn only. Additionally, left turns from eastbound Addison Street to the outbound Kennedy ramp will be prohibited. Also, trucks will not be allowed to use the inbound Kennedy ramp to Addison Street. Motorists should use the posted detours. Travelers can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area.

Q. Will the CTA Blue Line station at Addison remain open during construction of the bridge?

A. Yes. The CTA Blue Line station at Addison Street will remain open throughout construction. During the first phase of construction, pedestrian access will be detoured via westbound Addison Street (south sidewalk) to northbound Lawndale Avenue to Addison Street (north sidewalk) to the CTA Addison Street entrance.

Q. Were there any public meetings for this project?

A.  Since this is a rehabilitation project, a more abbreviated process moving from Phase I to Phase III was allowed. During Phase II, city aldermen were sent letters with information about the project and an invitation to meet to discuss the project further. 

Q. Will there be any way for the public to follow progress on the project?

A. Yes, updates will be handled through:

• Our project-specific website
• Social media
• IDOT in Motion District 1 email list
• Dynamic message signs to inform the public of any changes within the corridor
• Press releases available online

Q. If people have questions about the project, who should they contact?

A. All questions can be sent to dot.kennedyrehab@illinois.gov.