Traffic Spillover From Kennedy Construction Has Been A Nightmare This Year. Can Anything Be Done?

Traffic congestion on Chicago’s Northwest Side has reached alarming levels, largely due to ongoing construction on the Kennedy Expressway. The Illinois Department of Transportation oversees the rehabilitation project, which has caused severe traffic spillover into residential neighborhoods since construction resumed in March. Residents report daily delays during rush hours, with some taking over 20 minutes to cover just two blocks. State officials are attempting to improve conditions by implementing traffic-calming measures and adding signage to reduce congestion. However, many locals express doubts about the effectiveness of these initiatives, voicing concerns over safety and convenience.

The three-year construction project, which began in 2023, is scheduled for completion by Thanksgiving. Neighbors have dubbed the 3600 block of St. Louis Avenue “Interstate St. Louis” due to persistent traffic jams. As frustrations mount, residents wonder if any viable solutions will emerge before the project concludes.