Kennedy Expressway construction project now underway | IDOT says Chicago traffic project will take 3 years

CHICAGO (WLS) — The barricades are up and it’s the first morning of the Kennedy Expressway construction project on Tuesday.

The work starts due to bridal covers that are in poor condition. Thirty-six bridge structures will be repaired, along with overhead sign structures, new LED lights, pavement patching and more.

IDOT crews began setting things up overnight. Two left lanes are now down from Montrose to Irving Park. By the end of this week it will extend to Hubbard’s Cave.

Reconstruction of the Kennedy Expressway in Chicago

The three-year, $150 million project will be carried out in three phases. First the incoming orbits this year, then the reversible orbits in 2024, followed by the outgoing orbits in 2025.

In this first phase, the express lanes will remain in use throughout the first phase of the project, which will last one year.

SEE MORE: IDOT to start 3-year project on 36 bridges over Kennedy Expressway; closures are expected

“The inbound Kennedy drivers definitely see the impact, you’re also going to see the impact on the outbound drivers anytime you would normally have the extra two lanes, so it’s during those afternoon and evening rush hours,” said IDOT spokeswoman Maria Castaneda .

IDOT suggests trying to either leave home earlier, or stagger your drive time if you can. Otherwise, the CTA and Metra can be a good alternative. Metra is even adding more trains to the UP Northwest Lines.

Other possible options include the Eisenhower Expressway or DuSable Lake Shore Drive.

The 63-year-old highway has not undergone any major work in almost 30 years.

IDOT will have “smart work zones” set up, using replaceable message signs to keep drivers aware of incidents and travel times.

You can find more information about the project here.