Chicago Construction News staff writer
Construction has started on the second phase of a three-year, $150 million project to rehab the I-90/I-94 Kennedy Expressway from the I-94 Edens Expressway junction to Ohio Street.
This year’s work — focused on the express lanes — is starting earlier than expected due to the mild winter.
Work includes repairing 36 bridge structures and the reversible express lane system, replacing overhead sign structures, as well as installing new signage and LED lights.
The project started last year with construction on the inbound Kennedy lanes.
“The Kennedy rehabilitation project is one of hundreds across the state made possible by the governor’s Rebuild Illinois capital program that IDOT is committed to delivering as quickly and efficiently as possible,” Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman said in a statement. “While we understand construction can be inconvenient, we are taking advantage of the warm weather to start early. The end result will be safer, more resilient infrastructure for the region long after the cones and barricades are removed.”
The $150 million project taking place over three consecutive construction seasons. Improvements to the inbound lanes were completed last year. This year’s work will focus on the reversible express lanes and is anticipated to be completed later this fall, with efforts on the outbound Kennedy in 2025.
