News Release from The Illinois Department of Transportation TravelMidwest.com Site:

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced that permanent lane closures and reductions are in place for the ongoing reconstruction of the interchange between the Stevenson Expressway (Interstate 55) and Lake Shore Drive (U.S. 41) in Chicago.

The following lane closures and reductions are in effect:

• Southbound Lake Shore Drive: The four existing mainline lanes approaching the interchange are reduced to three 11-foot wide lanes, with the right lane designated as an exit-only lane to the outbound Stevenson.
• Southbound Lake Shore Drive to outbound Stevenson ramp: The existing two lanes are reduced to a single 11-foot wide lane, with traffic shifted to the right side of the ramp.
• Outbound Stevenson: The existing three mainline lanes are reduced to two 11-foot wide lanes.

Motorists can expect delays and should continue to allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and be on the alert for workers and equipment.

Earlier this summer, IDOT started the $133 million project to reconstruct and reconfigure the six bridges and ramps that form the interchange between Lake Shore Drive and the Stevenson. The outbound ramps will be finished next year, with construction starting on the inbound ramps next year. The entire project wraps up in late 2017.

Find details on other construction projects in IDOT’s District 1 at: http://goo.gl/upgvZu.

Updates on the impacts to traffic are available at http://www.travelmidwest.com.