Kennedy Expressway express lanes officially reopen
CHICAGO - Good news for Chicago drivers: The express lanes on the Kennedy Expressway officially reopened early Monday morning.
Kennedy Expressway lane reopenings
The express lanes reopened ahead of the morning rush Monday months after being closed for construction.
Drivers should still prepare for temporary lane closures in the coming weeks as IDOT crews finish pavement marking and other small projects.
IDOT is urging drivers to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in work zones, obey speed limits, and remain alert for workers and equipment.
What led to the express lane closures?
The express lanes were originally set to reopen at the end of 2024 as part of the second phase of the Kennedy rehabilitation project.
However, IDOT said the delay was due to the complex software integration of the Reversible Lane Access Control (REVLAC) system, which controls the gates and whether traffic flows inbound or outbound.
RELATED: Kennedy express lanes reopening delayed until January, IDOT says
What's next in the expressway project
The express lanes, which stretch from the Edens Junction to Ohio Street, closed in March 2024 for construction.
IDOT planned to test the new REVLAC system on Jan. 2, weather permitting. The REVLAC upgrade includes installing 120 gates, new controls, replacing cameras, and more for 7.5 miles of road. Crews are also rehabilitating bridges and pavement in the center lanes.
The last time the reversible lanes were upgraded was in 1996, more than 27 years ago.
The rehabilitation project also includes repaving, bridgework, and new overhead signs. IDOT said the project is still on track with a $150 million budget.
According to IDOT, construction work on the outbound lanes will begin later this spring and the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.