Heavy rains in the Chicago area on Sunday morning have caused flash flooding on multiple expressways, leading to delays and road closures. The Stevenson Expressway has been particularly affected, with officials closing the roadway in both directions near Pulaski Avenue. Outbound traffic is being diverted onto Kedzie, while inbound traffic is being diverted onto Pulaski.
The Eisenhower Expressway is also completely closed near Des Plaines Avenue in Forest Park due to flooding. Workers from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) are on the scene, trying to clear water from the roadway by uncovering drains. Traffic is being diverted onto Des Plaines Avenue, and drivers can rejoin the highway at Harlem Avenue on the inbound side.
The inbound Edens Expressway is another area of concern, with flooding reported just after Lawrence Avenue. This has caused traffic to slow down between Cicero Avenue and Montrose Avenue.
Flooding has also been reported on the outbound side of the Kennedy Expressway near the Diversey exit, with at least one car stranded due to standing water. On the Eisenhower Expressway, more flooding is reported in parts of DuPage County, blocking two lanes on the outbound side at Cicero Avenue.
Interstate 57 is experiencing flooding near 127th Street, with two right lanes blocked due to standing water on the outbound side. On the inbound side, flooding is causing traffic congestion to Dixie Highway. The inbound side of the Bishop Ford Expressway is also affected by flooding, with lanes impacted between Sibley Boulevard and 103rd Street. Stop-and-go traffic is reported between Steel Bridge and 115th Street.
The heavy rains are expected to continue through Sunday afternoon, with a flash flood warning in effect until 3:15 p.m. for east-central Cook County. So far, up to three inches of rain have fallen, and an additional 1-to-3 inches of rainfall is possible. Drivers are advised to exercise caution and be prepared for delays if traveling in the Chicago area.
What measures were taken on the Eisenhower Expressway in response to the flash floods caused by heavy rains in the Chicago area
Title: Chicago Area Hit by Heavy Rains, Causing Flash Flood Chaos
Introduction:
Torrential rains slammed the Chicago area on Sunday morning, triggering flash floods on several expressways. As a result, commuters faced significant delays and road closures. The Stevenson Expressway, in particular, bore the brunt of the damage, prompting officials to shut down both directions near Pulaski Avenue. Outbound traffic was redirected to Kedzie, while inbound traffic was diverted onto Pulaski Avenue.
Stevenson Expressway:
The Stevenson Expressway took a severe hit, as officials deemed it necessary to close the road in both directions near Pulaski Avenue due to the flash floods. Commuters were rerouted to nearby Kedzie Avenue for outbound traffic, while inbound traffic was directed to Pulaski Avenue.
Eisenhower Expressway:
Flooding rendered the Eisenhower Expressway completely impassable near Des Plaines Avenue in Forest Park. Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) workers are on-site tirelessly working to clear water from the road by uncovering drains. Motorists must take Des Plaines Avenue as a detour, and they can re-enter the highway at Harlem Avenue on the inbound side.
Edens Expressway:
The inbound Edens Expressway joined the list of affected areas, with reports of flooding after Lawrence Avenue. This led to slowed traffic between Cicero Avenue and Montrose Avenue, causing significant delays.
Kennedy Expressway:
Floodwaters surged on the outbound side of the Kennedy Expressway near the Diversey exit. As a result, at least one vehicle became stranded due to the standing water. In addition, the Eisenhower Expressway experienced further flooding in parts of DuPage County, resulting in the blockage of two lanes on the outbound side at Cicero Avenue.
Interstate 57 and Bishop Ford Expressway:
Interstate 57 fell victim to flooding near 127th Street, with standing water blocking two right lanes on the outbound side. On the inbound side, flooding led to traffic congestion up to Dixie Highway. Similarly, on the inbound side of the Bishop Ford Expressway, lanes between Sibley Boulevard and 103rd Street were impacted by flooding, causing stop-and-go traffic between Steel Bridge and 115th Street.
Continued Heavy Rains and Flash Flood Warning:
The heavy rains are expected to persist throughout Sunday afternoon, with a flash flood warning in effect until 3:15 p.m. for east-central Cook County. As of now, rainfall has reached up to three inches, and an additional 1-to-3 inches could pour down. Drivers are advised to exercise caution and be prepared for unavoidable delays while navigating the Chicago area.
In conclusion, the heavy rains in the Chicago area on Sunday morning caused widespread flash flooding, resulting in road closures and disruptions to traffic flow. Motorists should stay informed, exercise patience, and prepare for possible delays when traveling in the affected areas.
Flash flooding is not only a nuisance but also a major cause of delays on Chicago expressways. It’s crucial for authorities to address the drainage issue to ensure smooth traffic flow during heavy rainfall. Safety should always be a priority!
“Flash flooding wreaks havoc on Chicago’s expressways, causing major delays. Stay safe and avoid unnecessary travel during such hazardous conditions.”