Now that NASCAR has officially wrapped its Chicago street race, residents and commuters are eagerly awaiting the reopening of the streets following weeks of closures. While some reopenings are already underway, closures are still expected to continue in the days following the historic event.
Throughout the construction of the race course, drivers have been forced to take detours and navigate road closures. However, now that the race is over, tear-down of the course needs to happen before the streets can fully reopen.
Improvements are expected to begin on Monday, with at least one lane of traffic reopening on southbound Lake Shore Drive by midnight. Additionally, northbound Michigan Avenue and eastbound Roosevelt Road will see one lane reopen, while all of westbound Roosevelt Road is expected to reopen.
Here is the full reopening schedule:
– July 2: At the end of the event, officials prioritize opening up DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Columbus Drive, and Michigan Avenue “as soon as possible.” Northbound Lake Shore Drive is scheduled to reopen between McFetridge and Monroe, and southbound Michigan Avenue will reopen between Roosevelt and Monroe before 7 a.m. on July 3.
– July 3: At least one lane of traffic is expected to reopen on southbound Lake Shore Drive by midnight. Northbound Michigan Avenue and eastbound Roosevelt Road will also see one lane reopen, while all of westbound Roosevelt Road is expected to reopen.
– July 4-5: Officials will continue to remove track walls from the event on southbound Lake Shore Drive, fully reopening the road after 4 p.m. On July 5, the remaining walls on northbound Michigan Avenue will be removed, allowing for three lanes to reopen.
– July 5-6: Congress Circle is expected to fully reopen.
– July 6-7: Columbus Drive between Roosevelt and Balbo will remain closed in both directions. Balbo Drive will also remain closed between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive.
– July 8-9: Jackson Drive will remain closed between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive in both directions. Closures will also continue on Columbus Drive.
– July 10: Columbus Drive reopens in both directions between Roosevelt Road and Jackson Boulevard, but one lane remains closed between Balbo Drive and Jackson Boulevard in both directions. Ida B. Wells between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive fully reopens, and the Jackson Boulevard and Columbus Drive intersection reopens.
– July 11: Northbound Columbus Drive reopens fully between Balbo Drive and Jackson Boulevard.
– July 12-13: Balbo Drive reopens between Columbus Drive and DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
– July 14-15: All streets, parking, and sidewalks are reopened.
For those needing to travel north or south, officials recommend using alternate routes such as State St., Dearborn St. (NB), LaSalle St. (NB and SB), Wells St. (SB), Franklin St. (NB), and Upper Wacker Dr. (NB and SB). For west or east travel, alternate routes include Upper Wacker (EB and WB), Randolph St. (WB), Washington (EB), Madison Ave. (WB), Roosevelt Rd. (EB and WB), 18th St. (EB and WB), and 22nd St / Cermak (EB and WB). Lower Wacker Drive will be promoted for through traffic to avoid the Loop.
As the tear-down and reopening process continues, residents and commuters are advised to stay updated on the latest road closures and alternate routes to minimize disruptions to their daily routines.
When are all the streets anticipated to be fully reopened following the closure and removal of track walls and infrastructure
Ls and infrastructure, with some closures expected to continue during these days.
– July 6: All streets are anticipated to be fully reopened to traffic.
The reopening of these major streets will significantly ease congestion and improve traffic flow for residents and commuters. The Chicago street race event has been an exciting and historic occasion for the city, but the need for closures and detours has posed challenges for drivers. However, with the tear-down of the race course underway, the streets will soon return to normal.
Improvements are set to begin on Monday, with the reopening of lanes on southbound Lake Shore Drive, northbound Michigan Avenue, and eastbound Roosevelt Road. By July 2, officials aim to open DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Columbus Drive, and Michigan Avenue, with additional sections reopening on July 3. July 4-5 will continue to see closures as officials remove track walls and infrastructure. Finally, on July 6, all streets are expected to be fully reopened.
Residents and commuters are eagerly anticipating the end of the closures and detours, as it will greatly alleviate traffic congestion and improve the overall commuting experience. As the city returns to normal, the Chicago street race will be remembered as a thrilling and successful event in the city’s history.
