Judy Lamelza
Special to Chicago Construction News
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has entered the final phase of its Kennedy Expressway rehabilitation project, marking a significant step in the transformation of one of Chicago’s busiest transportation corridors. Initially budgeted at $150 million, the project’s cost has grown to $169 million due to the need for expanded pavement patching and additional bridge deck repairs. The project spans 7.5 miles from the I-94 split to downtown Chicago, with the final phase expected to be completed by late 2025.
ABC7 News reports that to date, $107.2 million of the $169 million total has been spent. Cost increases have been attributed to additional pavement patching and inner concrete wiring complications identified during earlier phases.
The project is being executed by a team of contractors:
These firms are handling all aspects of the project—from bridge repair to lighting installation—under IDOT’s oversight.
The final phase is focused on improving safety, longevity, and traffic flow along the outbound lanes of the expressway, from the Edens Expressway junction to Ohio Street. The extensive work includes repairing 19 bridge structures to restore safety and structural integrity, patching and resurfacing pavement, and replacing overhead signs to improve traffic management. Additionally, new LED lighting will be installed throughout the corridor for better visibility and energy efficiency, and structural steel components will be reinforced to extend the lifespan of the bridges. New pavement markings will also be added to provide clearer lane guidance, and aesthetic improvements are planned for the Hubbard underpass between Ohio and Lake Streets.
The project is having a significant impact on traffic. Two outbound lanes of I-90/94 are closed from Ohio Street to the Edens Expressway, with two left lanes closed between Division Street and Kostner Avenue. The right lanes remain open for local traffic, while reversible express lanes are available for outbound use only. These lanes will remain in service throughout the phase, but mid-gate access points to the reversible lanes are closed, and express lane access to O’Hare Airport is unavailable. Local lanes are now the only route to the airport.
As of the latest reports, $107.2 million of the $169 million budget has already been spent, with cost increases attributed to complications from additional pavement patching and the discovery of inner concrete wiring issues in earlier phases. The project is being managed by IDOT and carried out by a team of contractors, including Dunnet Bay Construction Co., Martam Construction, and John Burns Construction, who are responsible for everything from bridge repairs to the installation of new lighting systems.
This phase of the project requires skilled workers across multiple trades, including bridge and steel rehabilitation, road resurfacing, signage installation, and lighting upgrades. Crews are working under live traffic conditions, and safety protocols, clear signage, and strategic scheduling are in place to minimize disruption. The rehabilitation project, which began in 2023, has already seen work completed on inbound lanes and reversible express lanes. The final phase, focusing on outbound lanes, is expected to continue through Thanksgiving 2025, with full completion set for the end of the year.
The project’s long-term benefits are expected to include improved safety, reduced maintenance needs, and better traffic efficiency along this critical stretch of roadway, ultimately serving commuters, commercial drivers, and the broader region for years to come.
